Access to Work funding for ADHD coaching and executive function coaching
If you are in employment and have ADHD, autism, or another condition that affects your ability to work, you may be able to have your coaching funded through the UK government’s Access to Work scheme. That could mean your sessions are fully or partially covered, at no cost to you.
I accept Access to Work funding for executive function coaching and ADHD coaching. If you think you might be eligible, or you are not sure yet, this page explains how the scheme works and what to do next.
What is Access to Work?
Access to Work is a grant scheme run by the Department for Work and Pensions. It is designed to help people with a disability, health condition, or neurodivergent condition stay in work or start a new job, by funding practical support that makes that possible.
Unlike many government schemes, it is not means-tested and it covers a wide range of support, including specialist coaching. It applies whether you are employed, self-employed, or running your own limited company.
Who can apply?
You may be eligible for Access to Work funding if you have a disability, health condition, or neurodivergent condition that affects your ability to do your job, and you are in paid work or about to start a new role. This includes people who are:
Employed
Working for an employer in any kind of paid role, full time or part time.
Self-employed
Running your own business as a sole trader or freelancer.
Limited company director
Operating through your own limited company.
Starting a new role
About to begin a new job or move into self-employment.
How does ADHD coaching and executive function coaching qualify?
Access to Work funds support that helps you do your job more effectively. ADHD coaching and executive function coaching both fall within this category because they directly address the challenges that affect your ability to work, for example things like managing your time, staying on top of tasks, handling transitions, and sustaining motivation and focus.
Executive function coaching is particularly well suited to Access to Work funding because it works with the specific brain-based skills most commonly affected by ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergent conditions. Rather than being a general wellbeing service, it targets the precise areas that get in the way of doing your job well, like planning and prioritising, working memory, task initiation, emotional regulation, time management, and organisation.
For people searching for neurodivergent workplace coaching or government-funded ADHD support at work, executive function coaching is often the most practical and targeted option available.
The conditions most commonly associated with Access to Work funding for coaching include:
You do not always need a formal diagnosis to apply. Access to Work assessors consider the impact your condition has on your work, not just the label attached to it.
You do not always need a formal diagnosis to apply. Access to Work assessors consider the impact your condition has on your work, not just the label attached to it.
You do not always need a formal diagnosis to apply. Access to Work assessors consider the impact your condition has on your work, not just the label attached to it.
You do not always need a formal diagnosis to apply. Access to Work assessors consider the impact your condition has on your work, not just the label attached to it.
You do not always need a formal diagnosis to apply. Access to Work assessors consider the impact your condition has on your work, not just the label attached to it.
You do not always need a formal diagnosis to apply. Access to Work assessors consider the impact your condition has on your work, not just the label attached to it.
You do not always need a formal diagnosis to apply. Access to Work assessors consider the impact your condition has on your work, not just the label attached to it.
You do not always need a formal diagnosis to apply. Access to Work assessors consider the impact your condition has on your work, not just the label attached to it.
Do I need a diagnosis to apply for Access to Work?
Not necessarily. Access to Work assesses the impact of your condition on your ability to work, rather than requiring a formal diagnosis. That said, having a diagnosis can make the process more straightforward. It is worth applying even if you are currently awaiting assessment.
Can I apply if I am self-employed?
Yes. Access to Work covers employed, self-employed, and limited company directors. Being self-employed does not affect your eligibility.
How long does the application take?
Timelines vary and have been longer than usual in recent years, in some cases many months. It is worth applying as early as you can. In the meantime, if you would like to start coaching before your funding comes through, we can discuss how to handle that on your discovery call.
Will Access to Work fund the full cost of coaching?
It depends on your individual assessment. Some people receive funding that covers the full cost, others receive a contribution. The GOV.UK page has more detail on how funding amounts are calculated.
I am not sure if I qualify. Can I still get in touch?
Absolutely. If you are unsure whether Access to Work is an option for you, book a discovery call and we can talk it through. Even if it turns out not to be the right route, I hope I can give you some clarity on where to go next.
The process
The Access to Work application process can feel a bit daunting at first, but it is more straightforward than it looks. Here is a rough outline of what is involved.
01
Check your eligibility
Visit the Access to Work page on GOV.UK to check whether you are likely to qualify. You can also talk this through with me on a discovery call if you are not sure.
02
Apply to Access to Work
You apply directly through GOV.UK. You will need to describe how your condition affects your work and what support you need. At this stage, you can name executive function coaching or ADHD coaching as the support you are applying for.
03
Get a quote from me
As part of the process you will need a formal quote from your coach. I am happy to provide this, and we can discuss what to include on your discovery call.
04
Receive your decision and start coaching
Access to Work will contact you with a decision. Current processing times can be lengthy, so it’s worth applying as early as possible.
Once approved, we can get started. The claims process is straightforward and I will talk you through it so it does not become a source of stress in itself.
How the funding works with my pricing
My coaching block is priced at £600 for 8 sessions, which works out at £75 per session or £840 for 12 sessions, which works out at £70 per session. Access to Work funding can cover coaching costs in full or in part, depending on the outcome of your assessment. If you have any questions about how the funding works in practice, we can talk through it on your discovery call.
What neuroplasticity means for you
For a long time, it was believed that the brain was largely fixed by adulthood. We now know that Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new connections and adapt, continues throughout life.
It does take longer in adults than in children, and it requires consistent, repeated practice rather than a single step. But, it is possible! The strategies we co-create in coaching aren’t just workarounds (although you may choose to make some environmental adaptions) they’re ways of gradually rewiring how your brain approaches the things that have always felt hard.
Understanding your executive functions is where that process begins.
Want to find out if this could work for you?
Book a free discovery call and we can talk through your situation, the Access to Work process, and whether ADHD coaching or executive function coaching is a good fit for where you are right now.
Access to Work is genuinely underused. Many people who would be eligible have never heard of it, or assume they would not qualify. If you have ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or another condition that affects your working life, it is absolutely worth looking into.