The Workplace Adaptation support helps employers and self-employed people make physical or technological changes to the workplace so that a disabled person can start, remain in or return to work. The support funds reasonable workplace adaptations that remove barriers to employment and enable employees to perform their roles effectively.

A Workplace Needs Assessment must be completed before an application can be made. The assessment must recommend the required adaptations, but funding is available only after approval by the Department of Social Protection.

Following approval, the employer is responsible for arranging and paying for the approved work before claiming reimbursement from the Department.

Support Available

The Work and Access Scheme provides:

• Up to €25,000 towards the cost of approved workplace adaptations.

Funding may be used to adapt:

• Workplace equipment.
• Workplace technology.
• Business premises (excluding a person's home).

Funding approval must be received before any work begins.

Eligibility

Employers and self-employed people may apply if they meet the general Work and Access eligibility criteria.

To qualify:

• A Workplace Needs Assessment must have been completed.
• The assessment must recommend the required workplace adaptations.
• The employee must agree to the application where the employer is applying on their behalf.
• The Department of Social Protection must approve the funding before any work is carried out.

Eligible Adaptations

Examples of workplace adaptations include:

• Installing ramps or improving physical access.
• Adapting accessible toilet facilities.
• Installing alarm systems with flashing lights or other visual alert systems.
• Modifying workplace equipment or technology where recommended through a Workplace Needs Assessment.
• Other physical or technological workplace modifications that remove barriers to employment.

What the Support Does Not Cover

Workplace Adaptation funding cannot be used to:

• Purchase equipment or make alterations that employers would normally provide for all employees.
• Cover the ordinary costs of establishing or operating a business.
• Fund adaptations that employers are already legally required to provide under existing legislation, including:
• Building Control Acts 1990–2014.
• Building Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 497/1997) and Technical Guidance Document M (2010) relating to access and use.
• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 (as amended).
• Employment Equality Acts 1998–2015, including accessibility obligations for workplaces and premises open to the public.
• Fund adaptations to a person's private home, even where the individual works primarily from home.

Individuals requiring adaptations to their home may instead be eligible for a Housing Adaptation Grant administered by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Workplace Needs Assessment Requirement

A Workplace Needs Assessment is mandatory before applying for Workplace Adaptation funding.

The assessment will:

• Identify barriers within the workplace.
• Recommend the physical or technological adaptations required.
• Provide evidence to support the funding application.

The assessment itself does not guarantee funding.

Payment Process

Once funding has been approved:

1. The employer arranges the approved adaptation work
2. The employer pays the contractor or supplier
3. Proof of payment is submitted to the Department of Social Protection
4. The Department reimburses the employer for the approved amount.

Work must not commence before funding approval has been granted.

How to Apply

Step 1: Complete the application form

Employers and self-employed applicants must complete the Work and Access Application Form (WA2).

The application should include the Workplace Needs Assessment recommending the proposed adaptations.

Step 2: Submit your application

Applications can be submitted by:

• Your local Intreo Centre or Branch Office.
• Email: WorkandAccess@welfare.ie
• Post to:
  Employment Services Management Support Team
  Department of Social Protection
  PO Box 13736
  Freepost FDN7696
  Co. Louth

Step 3: Assessment and Approval

The Department of Social Protection will assess the application.

• Funding approval must be received before any adaptation work begins.
• Once approved, the employer may arrange the agreed works and subsequently claim reimbursement.

Applications submitted after work has commenced or been completed cannot be considered for funding.

Appeals

There is no formal appeals process. However, if your application is refused, you may request a review by another Department of Social Protection officer within 21 days of the decision. Your request should explain why you believe the decision was incorrect and include any supporting evidence.