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In-Work Support

The In-Work Support Grant provides funding towards specialist support if you have a disability or health condition and need help to do your job or re-train if you move to another role.

Who can apply?

New or existing employees or self-employed people can apply for funding. You can make the application yourself or someone else can apply on your behalf.

A workplace needs assessment must be carried out before you can get in-work support to show that you need this support.

Supports available

You can apply for funding towards a work coach, a lámh support worker, a specialist or other communication support worker such as a sign language interpreter or lip reader.

What is a work coach?

A work coach offers specialised employment support to help you stay in your job and provides support to your employer.

What is a lámh support worker?

A lámh support worker works with a lámh user.

Lámh is a manual sign system used by people with intellectual disability and communication needs.

Finding a specialist or training

Finding a specialist

To receive support, the specialist support worker or work coach must be qualified or experienced (or both), and have a track record in occupational evaluation or workplace assessment.

Suitably qualified specialists include:

  • Occupational therapist
  • Occupational psychologist
  • Occupational physician
  • Occupational health nurse
  • Ergonomic specialist
  • Chartered physiotherapist who may provide once-off or occasional consultations

Lámh support workers must be qualified or experienced (or both).

There is no pre-approved list of specialist providers. Specialists should be registered with a relevant professional body such as the Register of Health and Social Care Professionals (CORU) or the Association of Occupational Therapists.

Specialists who work for the employer or companies connected to the employer are not eligible for funding.

Finding Training

The grants can cover training services if identified under a Workplace Needs Assessment. The Department of Social Protection (DSP) will pay the training costs directly to the service provider.
The training must not be available through the DSP directly or any other state provider (for example Solas or ETBs, Teagasc).

How much is the grant?

You can get up to €12,500 a year for hiring a work coach, specialist support, or lámh support worker.
You can also get up to 30 hours of communication support for contact hours with the specialist if needed.

How to apply

The Department of Social Protection (DSP) is developing an online application process, which will be available soon.

To apply for any of the supports available through the Work and Access Programme, follow these steps:

Step 1: Complete the application form

Step 2: Eligibility check

  • Send your completed WA1 Form by post to Work and Access Section, Central Team, Finglas Intreo Centre, PO Box 13736, Freepost FDN7696, Dublin 11
  • Your eligibility will be checked by the Work and Access Section

Step 3: Assessment and approval

  • An officer will contact you directly to discuss your application.
  • If eligible, you will be told about the next steps and any additional sections of the application form to complete.
  • Approval for eligibility does not guarantee funding.
  • Final approval will be made after you meet specific requirements set by Department officers.

Appeals

You cannot formally appeal a decision, but you can request a review by another DSP officer within 21 days of the decision. You'll need to explain why you believe the decision was wrong and provide supporting evidence.

More information

For more information about the Work and Access programme:

 

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