Have you ever felt like your ADHD is holding you back at work?

If so, you’re not alone.

As a business owner with ADHD, you know that running your own business can be both rewarding and challenging. On the one hand, you have the freedom to set your own hours and work on projects that you are passionate about. On the other hand though, you might face challenges such as staying organised, meeting deadlines, and managing your time effectively.

But there is good news. The Access to Work Grant is a government program that can provide financial support to people with ADHD who need just a bit of extra support at work. This grant can be used to pay for a variety of assistive technologies and support services, such as; specialist software to help with tasks like time management, organisation, and proofreading, coaching and training and workplace adaptations such as noise-cancelling headphones or a quiet workspace

The Access to Work Grant can be a lifesaver for people with ADHD who are struggling at work. But it can be tricky to know where to start. That’s why we’ve written this blog post to give you everything you need to know about the Access to Work Grant, including eligibility requirements, how to apply, and tips for writing a successful application.

In this blog post, we will cover the following topics:

> Who is eligible for the Access to Work Grant?
> How can the access to work grant help people with ADHD?
> How do you apply for the Access to Work Grant?
> What are some tips for writing a successful Access to Work Grant application?
> What are some common mistakes to avoid when applying for the Access to Work Grant?

If you have ADHD, think of this as your ultimate guide to getting the support you need to be as efficient as possible in your business so that you can offer the best service to your customers.

Who is eligible for the Access to Work Grant?

The criteria for this grant is pretty simple. To be eligible for the Access to Work Grant, you must:

• Be aged 16 or over
• Live and work in England, Scotland, or Wales
• Have a disability or health condition that has a significant impact on your ability to do your job
• Be in paid work (or be about to start or return to paid work in the next 12 weeks)

Since April 2017, ADHD has been included in the eligibility criteria so, if you tick all these boxes then we’d recommend applying!

What support can I get from the Access to Work Grant with ADHD?

The Access to Work Grant can fund a variety of support services, but for people with ADHD, some of the more useful options available are:

• ADHD coaching
• ADHD awareness training for employees
• Personal and virtual assistants
• Noise-cancelling headphones
• Standing desks
• Voice-to-text software
• Task management software
• Mind mapping software

You can use the grant to fund support for up to 20% of your working week, so make sure you log everything you do for your business.

How can a PA help me with my ADHD?

A PA can provide a variety of support services to help you manage your ADHD in your business, including:

• Body doubling (accountability): A PA can sit with you while you work to help you stay focused and on task.
• Time management: They can help you to create and stick to a schedule.
• Organisation: PAs can help you to organise your workspace and your paperwork.
• Administrative tasks: A PA can take care of administrative tasks such as answering emails, scheduling appointments, and managing your calendar.
• Customer service: They can provide customer service support, such as answering phone calls and responding to customer inquiries.

How do I apply for the Access to Work Grant?

To apply for the Access to Work Grant, you need visit https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work and fill out an application form as well as provide evidence of your disability or health condition.

The Access to Work Grant approval process can take up to 3 months. However, there are a few things you can do to help speed up the process, including:

• Gathering evidence of your ADHD ahead of time. This could include a diagnosis letter from your doctor, a report from a psychologist, or a statement from your employer or teacher.
• Thinking about what kind of support you need. What would help you to do your job more effectively? Do you need specialist software? Coaching? Workplace adaptations?
• Talk to your employer. They may be able to help you with the application process and provide additional support.
• Getting help from a disability charity. There are a number of charities that can provide support and advice to people with ADHD who are applying for the Access to Work Grant.

Once you have submitted your application, an Access to Work advisor will contact you to discuss your needs. They will then help you to develop a support plan.

Any tips for writing a successful Access to Work Grant application?

When writing your Access to Work Grant application, it’s important to be clear and concise. Explain how your ADHD impacts your ability to do your job and what kind of support you need. Be specific and provide examples.

It’s also important to be realistic. Don’t ask for more support than you need. And be prepared to negotiate with the Access to Work team.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when applying for the Access to Work Grant?

Here are a few that we’ve seen…

• Not providing enough evidence of your ADHD. Make sure to attach any relevant medical reports or statements to your application.
• Not being specific enough about the support you need. What kind of software, coaching, or workplace adaptations would help you to do your job more effectively?
• Asking for too much support. Be realistic about your needs.
• Not negotiating with the Access to Work team.

The Access to Work team may be willing to negotiate on the type and amount of support you receive.

The Access to Work Grant can be a valuable resource for business owners with ADHD. It can provide financial support for essential support services, such as PA support, which can help you to thrive in your own business.

If you are a business owner with ADHD and you are struggling to manage your condition, we encourage you to apply for the Access to Work Grant. If you’d like any help let us know.