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Workplace Needs Assessment

The Workplace Needs Assessment Grant is a financial aid program that helps people with disabilities or health conditions identify the support they need in their workplace.  

Here's a breakdown:

What it is:

  • A grant of up to €2,500 to cover the cost of hiring a qualified professional to assess your workplace needs.  

Why you need it:

  • Identifies adjustments needed to remove barriers you face while working.  
  • Applicable for working at an office, home, or remotely.  

Who can apply:

  • New or existing employees, employers, or self-employed individuals.  

How to qualify:

  • Meet the general eligibility criteria for the Work and Access program (available online).  

Finding the assessor:

  • They should have relevant qualifications and experience in occupational evaluation.
  • Up-to-date knowledge of disabilities and assistive technologies.  
  • Examples of qualified specialists include occupational therapists, psychologists, and ergonomists.  

The assessment process:

  • Involves the employee, employer, and optional advocate.  
  • Part 1: Evaluate the employee's needs, job role, disability, and workplace environment.  
  • Part 2: Report outlines each barrier, recommends accommodations (e.g., assistive technology, Personal Reader), and includes cost quotes.  

How much is the grant?

  • Covers up to €2,500 for the assessor's fees and up to 10 hours of communication support (e.g., interpreter) if needed.  

How to apply:

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

In the meantime, follow the process below.

Individuals

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

Step 1: Complete the application form

  • Request the form from your local Intreo Office or download it from gov.ie.
  • If you are unsure about the support needed, you only complete the relevant section on the WA1 Form.
  • Provide quotes to support your application (see Quotes in Appendix 6 of the Operational Guidelines).

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.

Employers

To apply for the Work and Access Programme as an employer, follow these steps:

Step 1: Complete the application form

  • Request the form from your local Intreo Office or download it from gov.ie.
  • Complete the WA2 Form.

Step 2: Submission and support details

  • Send your completed WA2 Form by post to Work and Access Section, Central Team, Finglas Intreo Centre, PO Box 13736, Freepost FDN7696, Dublin 11.

Step 3: Assessment and processing

  • A designated Employer Relations Officer (ERO) will manage your application.
  • You will be contacted directly to discuss available options and necessary documents.
  • Final approval is required before purchasing any support.

Applications submitted after purchasing support cannot be processed or paid

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.

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