Workplace Adaptation

About this scheme

Workplace Adaptation is one of the employer-facing supports under the Department of Social Protection's Work and Access scheme. It funds necessary changes to equipment, technology, or a business premises — such as small building changes like ramps or toilets, or alarm systems with flashing lights — so that a disabled employee or self-employed person can start or stay in a job. An employer, with the employee's agreement, or a self-employed person can apply, and Work and Access can pay up to €25,000 towards the cost. A Workplace Needs Assessment is required before applying. After full approval, the employer must organise and pay for the work themselves, then claim reimbursement from the department. The funding cannot be used for equipment or changes an employer would normally provide, ordinary business set-up/running costs, changes required by specific legislation, or changes to a person's home (a separate Housing Adaptation Grant covers home changes instead). To apply, the employer or self-employed person completes the Work and Access Employer Application form (WA2).

Who can apply

• Must meet the general Work and Access eligibility requirements (employer/self-employed person based in the Republic of Ireland, a legal entity or charity recognised by Revenue, and tax compliant; employee/self-employed person has a qualifying disability or long-term health condition)
• A Workplace Needs Assessment must take place before applying
• Applicant must be an employer (with the employee's agreement) or a self-employed person
• Funding covers only necessary changes to equipment, technology, or a business premises — not a person's home
• Cannot be used for equipment or changes employers would normally provide anyway, usual business set-up/running costs, or changes required under specific legislation (Building Control Acts 1990 to 2014, Building Regulations 1997/2010 Technical Guidance Document M, Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, Employment Equality Acts 1998 to 2015)

How to apply

1. 1Ensure a Workplace Needs Assessment has taken place and recommends Workplace Adaptation
2. 2Complete 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. 4After full approval, the employer organises and pays for the work
5. 5The employer then claims reimbursement from Work and Access, up to €25,000