The government’s Access to Work scheme has been extended to help disabled people and those who are “clinically extremely vulnerable” to work from home.

In some cases, applicants may be able to get a £60,000 grant to buy specialist equipment, pay travel costs or hire a support worker. Previously, the money could only be used for support in the workplace or in getting to the office.

New extensions to the scheme

You can get Access to Work grant funding if you’re disabled and need support to work from home because of Covid-19. The money can help pay for special equipment such as a screen reader or video remote interpreting or support worker services.

Funding can also cover taxi fares and public transport costs, if a health condition prevents you from travelling on public transport during the pandemic.

This funding can be fast-tracked if you’re in the clinically extremely vulnerable group.

If you are anxious about returning to work and need support, Access to Work also offers mental health support through a tailored package of support for up to nine months.

Justin Tomlinson, minister for disabled people, health and work, said: “In these unprecedented times, it is absolutely right that we continue to support disabled people to pursue employment without barriers.

“This extension of funding and support will help to protect thousands of jobs which provide vital independence allowing disabled people to reach their full potential.”

The Access to Work scheme is designed to help people who are disabled or have a physical or mental health condition stay in employment. Last year, it provided personalised support to 36,000 people with disabilities and health conditions to do their job.

You can apply for funding online at gov.uk/access-to-work or over the phone on 0800 121 7479.