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AtW
is a Government fund, which provides funding for people in
employment, or just about to start a new job, whose work is
affected by a disability. The disability may not have a big
effect on what the applicant can do each day, but may have a
long-term effect on how well the applicant can do their job.
The funding is paid in differing proportions, varying from
100% to 50% between AtW and the employer; depending on whether
the support is deemed to be disability or employment rated.
The
grant varies depending on how long the applicant has been
employed, what support is needed and whether applicant is
self-employed.
Grant covers approved costs of Support
Workers (which may be individual Study Skills tutors), fares
to work, equipment that is needed at work and adapting
premises to meet applicants needs.
The
circumstances and support are reviewed between one and three
years.
AtW funding:
Is
paid by the government and the employer; the applicant does
not pay anything themselves
- Evidence of disability is not
necessary to apply for this funding
- Any equipment, hardware or software,
provided by AtW belongs to the employer and will remain
with the employer if the applicant leaves their
employment.
- Is not available for the first
£300 of approved costs in any 3 years of expenditure.
- Is available for all approved
costs between £300 and £10,000 over 3 years, meeting up to
80% of them.
- All approved costs above that amount
will be paid through the programme.
- AtW pays all approved costs if
applicant is self-employed.
- AtW pays 100% of approved costs
for Support Workers
- The level of funding is affected by
the number of employees in the company, i.e. a small
company may be able to reclaim 100% of the costs
involved.
- Cannot be claimed retrospectively
for support or equipment already provided
PROCESS:
- Applicant telephones or emails
their regional AtW office.
Three regional centres:
London, Cardiff or Glasgow.
London (SE England,
London and East of England) Telephone: 020 8426
3110
Email: atw-london-region@jobcenbtreplus.gsi.gov.uk
- Telephone interview conducted
following template on Form AtW1.
Takes up to 30
minutes. Applicant must provide NI number, Tax Reference
number in this interview.
Applicant is asked about their
disability and ‘What do they need?’ e.g. Help with writing
reports. Prior to this interview applicant should discuss
with a dyslexia adviser what would be
appropriate.
- If considered eligible for
consideration a copy of telephone interview details on Form
AtW1 posted to applicant’s home on same day. Applicant
checks details, signs it and posts back to regional
office.
- Form AtW1 sent to local
Jobcentreplus and a dedicated AtW Adviser will
review details. The Adviser may decide on support with
the submitted information and contact applicant directly to
advise them to order the equipment and/or support requested.
However, if specialist advice is needed, the Adviser will
contact a ‘contracted company’, such as hands-free
computing or RNID and pass applicant’s details to them
and authorise them to arrange a ‘technical
assessment’.
- Form AtW1 sent to technical assessor
prior to interview.
- Technical assessor will travel to
place of work to meet applicant, observe work station and
assess IT systems. This interview is scheduled for one
hour. Demonstration of suitable software and strategies and
support techniques. Evidence may be reviewed.
- Full report sent to AtW Adviser
within 40 working days. Report may include one quote for
Special Aids & Equipment.
- AtW adviser will then contact
applicant and employer to confirm what support is approved
with information about costings and
suppliers.
- Applicant and/or employer
must order all equipment and arrange any training and
claim costs back from
Jobcentreplus.
Reference: DirectGov:
Practical help at Work: Funding through
Jobcentreplus
22nd June 2009.
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