Asked by: Vicky Foxcroft (Labour - Lewisham North)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether his Department has made any assessment of the adequacy of current timelines regarding the notification of a) the withdrawal of or b) changes to an individual’s Access to Work award.
Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government) (Equalities)
When Access to Work (AtW) customers are notified, in writing, at the outset of their award we explain the support offer and provide a defined award length, of up to 3 years. Customers who receive on-going support are invited to renew their award. This is done 12 weeks before it is due to end.
On receipt of a renewal application Customers support requirements are reassessed in line with AtW Policy, to determine a new award and length. This may mean that some renewed awards may be different to previous the one.
We are currently processing renewal applications as received, with decision outcomes made within 4 weeks and customers are notified immediately, in line with the 25-working day target. Decisions on Access to Work awards are issued in writing and set out the support agreed and the period of the award. Where an award is changed or withdrawn, customers are notified of the decision and the reasons for it.
Our assessment is that, both the timescale for customers to seek a renewal award and the time to process this request are adequate.
We are committed to ensuring customers receive timely support. Applications from those due to start work within four weeks, as well as renewals for existing grants, are prioritised to minimise disruption and support people to remain in employment. Feedback from customers continues to inform improvements, helping to ensure the scheme reflects the realities of the modern workplace.
As set out in the Department’s press release of 19 May 2026, we are recruiting nearly 500 additional staff, supported by extensive training, to further enhance delivery. These measures will strengthen processing times and support plans to clear the backlog by September 2027.
We continue to engage closely with stakeholders to understand the evolving needs of disabled people. This engagement is shaping improvements to ensure Access to Work remains a responsive and effective scheme, supporting more people to start and stay in work.