In-Work Support

About this scheme

In-Work Support is one of the employer-facing supports under the Department of Social Protection's Work and Access scheme, which helps disabled people get or stay in work. It funds a work coach, specialist (such as an Occupational Therapist), or other support worker, including a Lámh support worker, to help a disabled employee or self-employed person carry out their job or train for a new role. Once approved, the employer arranges and pays the service provider, then submits proof of payment to the department for reimbursement, up to €12,500 per year. If needed, communication support (Irish Sign Language interpreting or other communication support) can also be used alongside In-Work Support, for up to 30 contact hours. Training from qualified providers may also be funded if the Workplace Needs Assessment identifies a training need not already available free from a state provider such as Solas, Education and Training Boards, or Teagasc.

Who can apply

• Employer or self-employed person must meet the general Work and Access eligibility requirements
• A Workplace Needs Assessment must have taken place and must specifically recommend In-Work Support
• Employer must be a private employer or self-employed person based in the Republic of Ireland (includes private companies and community, not-for-profit, or voluntary organisations)
• Employer must be a legal entity or a charity recognised by Revenue, and be tax compliant
• Employee/self-employed person must be over 18 and under 70, not getting a state pension, and working or planning to work in the Republic of Ireland (full-time/part-time at least 8 hours a week, self-employed, work experience or internship of 6+ months, apprenticeship, or starting a new job)
• Employee/self-employed person must have a disability or long-term health condition likely to last more than 12 months, evidenced by a long-term disability payment or medical evidence
• Cannot apply for unpaid/voluntary work or for public sector employment
• The work coach, specialist, or support worker cannot work for the employer's own company or an associated company

How to apply

1. 1A Workplace Needs Assessment must first take place and recommend In-Work Support
2. 2The employer or self-employed person completes the Work and Access Employer Application form (WA2)
3. 3Send the completed form via a local Intreo Centre or Branch Office, by email to WorkandAccess@welfare.ie, or by post to Employment Services Management Support Team, Department of Social Protection, PO Box 13736, Co Louth, FDN7696
4. 4Once approved, the employer arranges support from a qualified work coach, specialist, or support worker
5. 5The employer pays the service provider and submits proof of payment to the department, which then reimburses the employer