Access to Work (NI) provides practical assistance to individuals with disabilities seeking employment or facing difficulties at work due to their disability. It also assists employers looking to hire or retain employees with disabilities. Face-to-face appointments for Access to Work (NI) have been temporarily suspended.

Access to Work (NI) offers tailored advice and assistance to address disability-related challenges, such as communication support, special aids and equipment, workplace adaptations, and support for commuting. It considers both personal and business benefits when providing help. The program can cover costs related to:

1. Communication support for deaf or hearing-impaired individuals.
2. Provision of specialized aids and equipment.
3. Workplace adaptations for employees with disabilities.
4. Practical help for employees with disabilities at work or during their commute.
5. Extra travel costs incurred due to disability.
6. Assistance for employers facing additional costs related to disability.

To apply for assistance through Access to Work (NI), individuals can contact the Department for Communities or seek help from a local work coach. British Sign Language (BSL) or Irish Sign Language (ISL) users can also use video relay services. Applications must be made by the person with a disability, and support can be approved for up to three years, with extensions considered if necessary.

Access to Work does not cover the costs of reasonable adjustments, which are legally required accommodations made by employers to support employees with disabilities in their jobs.

NI Direct is the Northern Ireland government portal offering public services, information and support regarding benefits, healthcare, education, driving, tourism and more for citizens and businesses.