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In-Work Support

The In-Work Support provides funding to help disabled employees and self-employed people succeed in their roles by providing specialist workplace support. This may include funding for a work coach, occupational specialist or other support worker, such as a Lámh support worker, to assist the individual in carrying out their job or developing the skills required for their role.

A Workplace Needs Assessment must be completed before applying for this support. The assessment must recommend In-Work Support, but funding is available only after approval by the Department of Social Protection.

Support Available

The Work and Access Scheme provides:

  • Up to €12,500 per year towards the cost of:
  • A work coach.
  • Specialist professional support.
  • Other workplace support, such as a Lámh support worker.
  • Up to 30 hours of Communication Support or Irish Sign Language (ISL) interpreting, where required to facilitate the delivery of In-Work Support.

Funding must be approved before any support begins.

Eligibility

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

To qualify:

  • The employee or self-employed person must have a disability or health condition.
  • A Workplace Needs Assessment must have been completed.
  • The Workplace Needs Assessment must recommend In-Work Support.
  • The Department of Social Protection must approve the funding before support commences.

What In-Work Support Can Be Used For

In-Work Support may be used to:

  • Assist a disabled employee to perform their duties effectively.
  • Support a self-employed person in carrying out their work.
  • Provide specialist coaching or workplace guidance.
  • Deliver disability-specific workplace support.
  • Provide workplace training where recommended through a Workplace Needs Assessment.

Communication Support or ISL interpreting may also be provided alongside In-Work Support where required.

Eligible Support Providers

Support may be delivered by:

  • A qualified work coach
  • An Occupational Therapist
  • An Occupational Psychologist
  • An Occupational Physician
  • An Occupational Health Nurse
  • An Ergonomics Specialist
  • A Chartered Physiotherapist
  • A Lámh support worker
  • Other suitably qualified workplace specialists.

Support may be provided on an ongoing basis or through occasional specialist consultations, depending on the recommendations in the Workplace Needs Assessment.

Choosing a Support Provider

The employer or self-employed applicant is responsible for sourcing a suitable provider.
The provider should:

  • Have relevant qualifications or significant practical experience.
  • Have a proven track record in workplace assessment, occupational support or vocational rehabilitation.
  • Demonstrate a strong understanding of disability and workplace inclusion.
  • Offer services that represent value for money.

A work coach or specialist employed by the organisation or an associated company cannot be funded through the Work and Access Scheme.

Where appropriate, providers should be registered with relevant professional bodies, including:

  • CORU – Ireland's Health and Social Care Professionals Register
  • Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland (AOTI)

Training as Part of In-Work Support

Funding may also be available for workplace training where:

  • The Workplace Needs Assessment recommends the training.
  • The training is necessary to enable the employee or self-employed person to carry out their role effectively.
  • The training is not already available free of charge through another State-funded provider, such as:
    • SOLAS
    • Education and Training Boards (ETBs)
    • Teagasc

Payment Process

Once funding has been approved:

  1. The employer engages the approved work coach or specialist.
  2. The employer pays the service provider directly.
  3. The employer submits proof of payment to the Department of Social Protection.
  4. The Department reimburses the employer for the approved funding amount.

Support must not begin before 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).

A Workplace Needs Assessment recommending In-Work Support should accompany the application.

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 work coach, specialist or training is arranged.
  • Once approved, the employer may engage the chosen support provider.

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 additional supporting evidence.

 

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