Why might Access to Work reject Brain in Hand?

Your Access to Work Case Manager may not always agree to fund the support you request. 

It’s important to understand why, so you can decide whether to:

•    Ask your employer to fund it

•    Fund it yourself

•    Challenge the decision through a reconsideration

This article covers common reasons for Brain in Hand – and similar software, equipment, and subscriptions – being rejected. It doesn’t cover rejections for other types of support, such as support workers, coaching, or taxis.

Reasonable adjustments

Employers must make reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010. Access to Work only funds support that goes beyond these adjustments.

They may refuse to fund Brain in Hand because they consider it a reasonable adjustment your employer should provide.

If you disagree, request a reconsideration and argue that the adjustment isn’t affordable for your employer. You could:

•    List adjustments your employer has already made, including their costs

•    Compare the cost of the rejected item to your employer’s financial resources

•    Provide your employer’s policy or a statement showing why the cost isn’t reasonable

Further guidance on reasonable adjustments and affordability can be found on the ACAS website.

Business expense

Access to Work won’t fund standard business costs – items anyone in your role would need. This might include ergonomic chairs, laptops, or task management software.

If you disagree, request a reconsideration and:

•    Explain what non-disabled colleagues are given in similar roles

•    Clearly link your need for the item to your disability

•    Explain the impact of not having the item

•    Compare the cost to your employer’s usual spending on equipment and software

Above minimum needs

Access to Work funds support that meets your minimum needs. If they think Brain in Hand is more than you require, they may reject it.

If you disagree, request a reconsideration and:

•    Show you’ve tried cheaper options and why they weren’t suitable

•    Explain why you can’t do your job without the support (for example, without pain, fatigue, or anxiety)

•    Describe the impact of not getting it – such as leaving your job or working extra hours

You can also ‘top up’ your award if they agree to fund a more basic option.

Not in your Workplace Needs Assessment report

Case Managers sometimes reject items not included in your Workplace Needs Assessment. To avoid this, raise all your needs in the assessment – software, equipment, taxis, coaching, training, and more.

If it’s rejected for this reason, request a reconsideration and:

•    Show you told your Case Manager about the item before the assessment

•    Explain why you didn’t raise it in the assessment (for example, you thought it would be handled separately)

•    Note if the assessor said it was outside their scope and to speak to the Case Manager directly

Mental health support

Sometimes Brain in Hand is rejected because it’s seen as mental health support. There is no published policy against funding mental health support, and Access to Work has funded Brain in Hand for others in similar situations.

If this happens, request a reconsideration and:

•    State there’s no policy against funding it

•    Explain it was recommended for your neurodivergent conditions, not mental health alone

•    Highlight how it differs from access to work’s mental health support service – for example, Brain in Hand is assistive technology, available 24/7, and licensed for at least one year