Access to Work ADHD Coaching
If ADHD makes parts of working life harder, Access to Work may fund practical, one-to-one coaching to help you find ways of working that fit your brain. ADHDful offers online, work-focused coaching for employed and self-employed people. You can explore what coaching might look like before you apply, or speak to Emma once you already have funding in place.
Can Access to Work pay for ADHD coaching?
It can. Access to Work is a government scheme that helps people with a disability or health condition get practical support to start, stay in or return to paid work. If ADHD creates barriers in your role, an individual award may include specialist one-to-one coaching.
You do not need a formal ADHD diagnosis to apply. Access to Work looks at how your condition or difficulties affect your work and what support could help.
Every application is assessed individually, so coaching and the amount of funding are never guaranteed. The Department for Work and Pensions, rather than ADHDful, makes the final decision.
No diagnosis needed
Explain the difficulties you experience, how they affect your work and the support you believe would help.
For different work types
Employed and self-employed people can apply, including full-time and part-time workers, apprentices, and people working from home or in a hybrid role.
Not means tested
For employed applicants, earnings and savings do not prevent an award. Different trading requirements apply if you are self-employed.
It’s a Grant
An approved Access to Work grant does not need to be repaid and will not affect other benefits, although some costs may need to be paid first and claimed back.
What could coaching help with?
ADHD rarely looks exactly the same from one person or one job to another. Coaching gives you space to understand where the friction is and develop practical approaches around your actual role, responsibilities and working environment.
- You are aged 16 or over
- A physical or mental health condition, disability or neurodivergence affects your ability to do your job or travel to work
- You are in paid work, or are due to start or return to paid work within the next 12 weeks
- You live and work, or are about to live and work, in England, Scotland or Wales
Success stories from coaching with Access to Work
“My coaching package through Access to Work was my first experience of working with a coach, and as someone with AuDHD, I was unsure what to expect at first.
Emma expertly guided me into the process, sharing useful tips and tricks that helped me get the most from it. I soon began to see real benefits, with useful support and a clearer way to approach the challenges I was facing.”
Your Next Steps
Whether you’re just starting to explore Access to Work or you already have funding, choose the option that best matches where you are now.
I’m thinking
of applying
See who can apply, what support Access to Work may provide and what you’ll need before starting your application.
Check my Eligibility
I’ve already
got funding
Learn more about my approach to ADHD coaching and book a free call to see whether working together feels like the right fit.
Book a FREE CallDo I need an
ADHD diagnosis?
No. GOV.UK states that you do not need to be diagnosed with a condition to apply. Focus on the barriers you experience at work and give clear, honest examples of their effect.
- You are aged 16 or over
- A physical or mental health condition, disability or neurodivergence affects your ability to do your job or travel to work
- You are in paid work, or are due to start or return to paid work within the next 12 weeks
- You live and work, or are about to live and work, in England, Scotland or Wales
A quick eligibility check
You may be eligible if all of the following are true:
How to apply for Access to Work funding for ADHD Coaching
You complete the application yourself through GOV.UK or by telephone. ADHDful can explain how its coaching works and share helpful general information, but does not submit or manage the application for you.
Check your eligibility
Make sure you meet the Access to Work eligibility requirements before beginning your application.
Prepare your details
Have your contact details, workplace address and National Insurance number ready. If you’re self-employed, you’ll also need your UTR number.
Explain your needs
Describe how your condition affects you at work and the support, equipment or adjustments you believe would help.
Submit your application
Apply using the online Access to Work form or contact the Access to Work helpline to apply by phone.
Speak to an adviser
An Access to Work adviser may contact you for more information or arrange an assessment to understand what support could help.
Receive your decision
You’ll receive a decision letter explaining whether your application was approved, how much you’ll receive and what the grant can pay for.
What should I write about ADHD in my Access to Work application?
Try describing each need in three parts:
1: The barrier
2: It’s effect on your work
3: Support that may help
Example:
“When several requests arrive at once, I find it difficult to judge which is most urgent. This can mean I spend too long on a less important task or miss a deadline. Regular ADHD coaching could help me develop and review a prioritisation system that works with my role.”
Example:
“I can find it difficult to hold spoken information in mind during busy meetings. This can lead to missed actions or extra time checking details afterwards. Coaching could help me build reliable ways to capture, organise and follow up agreed actions.”
Example:
“As a self-employed person, switching between client delivery, emails, finances and planning can become overwhelming. This can delay essential admin and affect my ability to plan ahead. Coaching could help me create a sustainable weekly structure and clearer transition points between tasks.”
A face you
can trust.
Hi, I'm Emma – your ADHD Life Coach!
I know firsthand how ADHD can shape your world, and I’m here to help you navigate it with clarity and confidence. My approach is person-centered and strength-based, aiming to support you in utilizing your strengths, overcoming challenges, and celebrating your uniqueness.
-
ACC accredited ADHD Life Coach with
the International Coaching Federation -
Training in social, emotional and mental health
conditions as well as trauma-informed approaches -
Years of experience working with young people
and adults across the spectrum of neurodiversity - MA in Music Psychology from the University of York
Some questions you may have
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In each session, we’ll talk about what’s going on for you: your wins, your challenges, and what you want to shift. Together, we can explore what’s getting in the way and find practical, tailored strategies that work for your brain. It’s collaborative, supportive, and grounded in real-life tools.
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Not at all. Many of my clients are self-identified or still exploring the idea of ADHD. If you relate to ADHD traits and want support, you’re welcome here!
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That’s totally okay! Lots of people come to coaching feeling a bit stuck or unsure where to begin. We’ll figure it out together. Part of the process is uncovering what matters to you and working towards where you want to be.
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That’s completely valid - it’s a big step! If you’re feeling pulled toward change (even just a little), it might be worth exploring. Booking a discovery call is free and the perfect place to learn more about how coaching could best support you.
How to apply for Access to Work funding for ADHD Coaching
You complete the application yourself through GOV.UK or by telephone. ADHDful can explain how its coaching works and share helpful general information, but does not submit or manage the application for you.