Access to Work Grants for Menstrual-Related Conditions

The UK government provides Access to Work grants and offers financial assistance to people with disabilities or health conditions to help cover the costs of adjustments or support needed in the workplace. 

These grants can be a lifeline for anyone facing barriers to employment due to health-related challenges that affect day-to-day living, including physical, mental, emotional, or other.

Although the explicit mention of menstrual conditions may be absent from eligibility criteria, the overarching goal of Access to Work is to provide aid to those whose health conditions hinder their ability to work effectively.

And, if you struggle with a menstrual-related condition, you likely also struggle with co-occurring conditions like -

  • Anxiety 
  • Depression
  • Autoimmune Conditions
  • IBS or other gastrointestinal conditions.

Are Menstrual-Related Conditions Eligible?

While menstrual-related conditions may not be specifically listed among the eligible conditions for Access to Work grants, the program is designed to cater to a wide range of health challenges. 

The focus lies on the impact of the condition and your ability to carry out your job effectively. If you have a menstrual-related condition that significantly affects your work performance you may still be eligible for support.

To be eligible you must have a disability, illness or health condition that means you need support to do your job. The DWP define this as…

  • A physical disability, for example, if you’re hard of hearing or use a wheelchair
  • A learning disability or related condition, for example if you have Down’s syndrome
  • A developmental condition, like autism spectrum disorder
  • ADHD or dyslexia
  • An illness such as diabetes or epilepsy
  • A mental health condition, for example, anxiety or depression

You do not need to be diagnosed with a condition. To apply read more about eligibility here

How Access to Work Grants Can Help

Access to Work grants can provide funding for various forms of support, including:

Specialised Equipment

This could include ergonomic office furniture, assistive technology, or tools to alleviate discomfort associated with menstrual symptoms.

Adaptations

Workplace adaptations such as flexible working arrangements, modified duties during symptomatic periods, or adjustments to working hours can all be covered by Access to Work funding.

Travel Assistance

If your condition affects your ability to commute, Access to Work grants can cover the costs of travel to and from work, including taxi fares or specialised transport arrangements.

Support Workers

Access to Work grants may also fund the provision of support workers or personal assistants to help with tasks that are impacted by your condition.

Applying for Access to Work Grants

To apply for an Access to Work grant, you need to contact the Access to Work team and provide details about their condition, how it affects their work, and the type of support they require. 

While a specific diagnosis may not be required, supporting evidence from healthcare professionals detailing the impact of the condition on work performance is essential. You can read more about Access to Work and apply here.

How to talk to your Employer

Discussing your health with your employers may feel daunting and that is exactly why I have created this Discourse of Chronic Condition template letter for you. 

You might also find these tips on how to talk to your employer helpful…

Choose the Right Time and Place 

Find a private and comfortable setting to have this conversation. Schedule a meeting with your employer at a time when they are available to listen and discuss potential solutions.

Share your experiences

If you feel comfortable share information about your condition openly and honestly. Explain how it affects you at work and the impacts on your day-to-day and any specific challenges you face. You have a right to reasonable adjustments to make working conditions work for you.

Offer Solutions

It always helps to go armed with suggestions for accommodations or adjustments that could help alleviate the impact of your condition on your work. This list is not exhaustive but could include…

  • Flexible working hours.
  • Last-minute shift swaps.
  • Extensions on deadlines.
  • Changes in shift patterns.
  • Breaks between meetings.
  • Provision of spare uniforms.
  • Chairs in non-white colours.
  • Space to store spare clothes.
  • Ergonomic chairs to ease pain.
  • Footstools and lumbar support.
  • Access to hot and cold beverages.
  • Frequent short breaks for the toilet.
  • Shorter meetings for heavy bleeding.
  • Flexibility in uniform to dark clothing.
  • Access to additional support resources.
  • Blinds on windows with strong sunlight.
  • Flexibility around customer-facing days.
  • Flexibility around medical appointments.
  • Slightly later start due to sleep disruption.
  • Moving desks nearer to restroom facilities.
  • Reduced meeting frequency during pain/anxiety.
  • Remote work options during symptomatic periods.
  • Adjustments to start and end times to line up with medication
Follow-up

Don't let this be a forgotten issue. If you are struggling at work your employer has a duty of care to your well-being. Keep the lines of communication open after your initial conversation. Follow up to ensure that any agreed-upon accommodations are being implemented.

Get Support

Firstly get your free letter template HERE to help you have a conversation about your condition with your empower and ask for reasonable adjustments to be made.

There are also many ways you can help manage your condition. I have a library of Cyclical Support to help you care for your menstrual health and balance your inner ecosystem. 

You might also find this free workshop helpful in learning how to chart and understand the different energy shifts you might experience through your menstrual cycle so that you can better manage your condition. 

PIP (Personal Independence Payment) formal Disability Allowance might also be a resource you are eligible for. I have another article on PIP here you might find useful.

Finally, I know from personal experience that applying for Access to Work can feel daunting and overwhelming. Please do reach out if you have any questions, or if you would like one-to-one support as you go through the process, you can do that here.