So, how does the whole process work?
First, you submit a short form online, and then you will be contacted by an Access to Work assessor, who will go through your needs and recommend equipment for you.
I would highly recommend taking a moment to think about what you want and not being afraid to ask for it. I was aware that asking for a SmartDrive was a long shot, but I took a deep breath and did it anyway. Now, I am the proud owner of an all-singing, all-dancing SmartDrive MX2+, which is my pride and joy!
If you are asking for anything that isn’t an obvious need or is very expensive, you might trigger needing a face-to-face (or Zoom-to-Zoom) assessment – asking for the SmartDrive did this for me. This is nothing to be worried about, and the lady I spoke to was really knowledgeable. She approved my SmartDrive, and at no point did I feel like I was having to fight to be heard, unlike in the soul-destroying PIP process.
This process took about 10 days from the initial application, but I started work 11 days after being offered the job, so this may have been fast-tracked.
After the assessments, you must wait 14 days for a paper report to be written and posted to you – you won’t hear anything during this time, or even know that you are waiting for a report, in my experience.
Once you have this report, you can order the support! For items that are deemed useful outside of work, e.g., a SmartDrive, you will have to contribute the same percentage as the number of days you are not at work; for me, this is 2/7. Everything else is free to you.
It’s such a shame that access to life-changing but eye-wateringly expensive equipment, such as a SmartDrive, is only funded in relation to work. The NHS took five years to decide to fund my wheelchair; they would definitely not have funded anything like a SmartDrive.
My SmartDrive has opened up the world to me, hugely reducing my shoulder pain and improving my mental health by increasing my independence, yet I am only “worthy” of it in the DWP’s eyes if I am working.
It speaks very poorly of the government’s perception of disabled people.
I am worthy regardless of my ability to work, but that’s a big topic for another day.
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Useful Links
Access to Work application → https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work
Access to Work staff guidance (PDF) → https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1047679/access-to-work-staff-guide-jan-2022.pdf
Follow Izzy on Instagram → www.instagram.com/izzyswheelieworld
