Guide to the Access to Work Funding Scheme for UK Workers

UK workers may be eligible for ATW funding if physical or cognitive symptoms impact work and are expected to last 12 months or more, in line with the Equality Act 2010. This includes:

• People who are employed, self‐employed, or company directors for at least one hour a week.
• People who receive benefits - the money does not have to be paid back and will not affect your other benefits.
• Any symptoms that impede work – not limited to repetitive strain, back and neck pain, physical or cognitive fatigue, circulation issues, or orthostatic intolerance induced brain fog, etc.

Examples of conditions that may lead to these symptoms include spinal, neck or leg injury; other musculoskeletal injuries or diseases; post‐surgical complications; post‐viral conditions such as Long Covid or ME/CFS; hypermobility conditions such as EDS or hEDS; postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) and others.

Altwork has always supplied to the UK and has supplied through the ATW scheme for many years. Altwork can also invoice via our UK company, in Pounds Sterling or any currency you require, to streamline the procurement process. The DWP has an internal ATW “Sole Supply” form for procurement from any supplier globally, even those outside of their usual network.

The Altwork Station has been awarded the European Conformity “CE” Mark, meeting the requirements of the relevant European health, safety and environmental rules.

• Pain relief: Many users report reduced back, neck or leg pain after switching to the Altwork Station. It is designed to relieve spinal pressure and other pain associated with sitting for long periods.
• Improved focus: The reclined position can assist tasks that require deeper focus. Some users report reduced brain fog when in the reclined or Zero Gravity position.
• Circulation: The Altwork Station allows users to work with their feet above their heart, thus improving circulation.
• Multiple ergonomic positions: Sit, stand, reclined and full recline with zero‐gravity.
• Full Adjustability: Offers a single, connected range of motion with automated, smooth transitions between positions. Adjustability includes the headrest, backrest, leg rest, lumbar and elbow support, and monitor arm.
• Automated adjustments: The monitor position auto‐syncs with recline and the headrest adjusts automatically.
• Multiple Monitors: The Altwork Accessories allow users to customise their workstation with multiple monitors to accommodate their unique workflow. .
• Compact footprint: Requires only 1.7 sq m (18 sq. ft.) of floor space when fully reclined, similar to a traditional desk and chair.
• Suitable for a range of body types: Supports users up to 136 kg (300 lbs) and between 155 cm and 198 cm (5'1" and 6'6").
• Magnetic desk system: Keeps your keyboard and mouse secure in any position.
• Appearance: The design is visually unobtrusive, which is a frequent requirement for acceptance by employers or in domestic environments.
• Build quality: Made from aerospace-grade steel components, designed and specified by our aerospace engineering foundations, the Altwork Station is built to last a lifetime.
• Warranty: Comes with a five-year limited warranty.

• Applicant: Person with occupational health needs.
• Advisor: Single point of contact in the DWP team, who receives, tracks and guides ATW applications, while maintaining email and phone contact with the applicant.
• Assessor: Third party occupational health consultant, contracted to the ATW scheme to write a recommendations document.
• Employer: If the applicant is not self-employed, the employer provides their agreement so they can receive ATW funds once the process is complete.
• Altwork: We will supply quotations and formal invoicing throughout the process to all parties as and when required.

1. Eligibility: Check whether you meet the requirements.
2. Applicant Preparation: Consider how the Station and accessories are medically relevant to your daily work. (see our preparation recommendations below)
3. Apply for Access to Work: Begin by applying to the ATW programme and you will be allocated an Advisor, who will arrange an assessment.
4. Informing the Employer: Consider an email that links to this FAQ page - this can help your internal conversations across teams with that single thread until purchase is complete.
5. Assessment: You will undergo an assessment by an ATW appointed Assessor to determine the support you need.
6. Product Selection: The ATW advisor and assessor work together to meet the applicant's needs. To ensure an ATW application accurately reflects these, please see our preparation recommendations below and note that Altwork has always supplied to the UK and through the ATW scheme for many years.
7. Quotation: Altwork will provide a formal ATW quotation for the station.
8. Approval: Access to Work will review the quotation and make a decision.
9. Purchase: If approved, you can then purchase the Altwork Station. Your employer will need to authorise the purchase and we will work with procurement departments where required.
10. Reimbursement: If your purchase was not paid for directly by ATW, the employer will then receive reimbursement.

It is important to consider your own daily workflow and occupational health needs in advance (see our preparation recommendations below). You have a single meeting to help the Assessor provide a recommendations document to the Advisor that maximises your potential.

If recommendations fail to address your occupational health needs or context, you can challenge the decision. It is advisable to communicate your reasoning in writing/email to your DWP Advisor to keep a record of your communications

Applications can include remote working, office working or both locations. This is decided case by case with the ATW Advisor and Assessor, dependent on complete communication of your needs (see our preparation recommendations below).

Yes, Altwork can provide an assembly service or provide referrals to third-party assembly services. These costs are also reimbursable under the ATW programme.

If you are somewhat mechanically inclined, the Station will require approximately two hours for two people to assemble. Clear step-by-step instruction documents and videos are publicly available.

The ATW advisor and assessor work together to meet the applicant's needs. To ensure an ATW application accurately reflects these, we advise that the following is considered in advance:

• Be clear about specific physical or cognitive limitations, how they are associated with health needs, and how they impact work. Pain, discomfort, brain fog, fatigue and limited mobility are examples of symptoms. Injury, surgery, neurological, hypermobility and post-viral conditions are examples of causes.
• Describe how the Altwork Station's features such as zero gravity recline, magnetic desk, and full adjustability, would address these limitations
• Visualise daily use and consider which accessories may be required physically.
• Be prepared to explain why other, less comprehensive, solutions cannot meet your needs and why.
• Highlight the need for ergonomic support, including the need for consistent keyboard and mouse support.
• Note the importance of the automated head, neck, back, leg and monitor adjustment on a smooth glide path.
• Note whether reclined video conferencing will be required, and its role in workplace inclusion and interpersonal credibility with colleagues and clients.
• Determine whether the ability to share physical notes or objects naturally, as if across the table from others, is valuable for your role.
• Gather any relevant medical documentation or reports that support your application.
• Have examples ready of how your condition specifically impacts your ability to perform your job.
• Consider whether work is remote, in-office or in both. If both locations must be used regularly, the Assessor will consider needs and work routine, including the role of consistent solutions in both environments.
• Consider whether you need assistance with assembly, as the Station will arrive partially constructed.
• Note that Altwork has always supplied to the UK and has supplied through the ATW scheme for many years.

This preparation will help the Assessor to make relevant recommendations when writing their recommendations.

The Altwork Demo Suite near Gatwick Airport offers visitors the opportunity to experience the Altwork Signature Station in person for the first time in the UK and Europe. Previously available only through our website, the Signature Station can be tested at this conveniently located demo center, adjacent to Gatwick Airport and easily accessible to travellers from across the UK and Europe.

Alternatively, we offer remote demo sessions. Please get in contact if you wish to arrange either.

You can also use our augmented reality tool on a mobile or tablet to see the station in your own space.

Where required, the following accessories are appropriate for Access to Work assessment recommendations:

• Altwork Tumbler Holder: Pivots seamlessly with your reclining Station, ensuring your beverage stays secure and spill-free no matter your position.
• Altwork TruVue: Ensures safe webcam use while reclined with professional, face-to-face camera angles and natural content sharing.
• Altwork Side Table: Increase productivity and organization with the only side table built to perfectly accompany your Altwork Station, made with the same aerospace-grade quality and durability.
• Caster Lift Kit: Raises the Station by 10 cm, for a seating height that is desirable for some users taller than 185 cm. Designed to fit securely between the casters and the frame, it maintains the station’s stability and mobility.
• Cushion Topper Set: Crafted to meet the diverse needs of Altwork Station users, this memory foam set personalizes the seating experience with an additional 2 inches (50 mm) of premium memory foam and the flexibility to use your own pad inside, offering additional comfort or to accommodate a user with very short stature.
• Altwork Notebook: Features magnets integrated into the front and back covers so it can be opened flat on the desktop and hold its position for note-taking or reference, even in a reclined position.

We are committed to ensuring long-term satisfaction for every Altwork Station.

• Warranty: The Altwork Station comes with a five-year limited warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship.
• Customer Support: Our dedicated customer support team is available to answer your questions and assist you with any issues you may encounter, including with video calls where needed.
• Resources: Our website provides a wealth of resources, including user manuals, assembly videos, and troubleshooting guides.
• Assembly: We can put you in touch with third-party assembly services to get your station assembled and ready to use.

• 89 cm wide x 140 cm long (upright seated with leg rest extended) (35" x 55").
• Length extends to 183 cm when fully reclined (72").
• Requires 1.7 m² of floor space to operate in all positions (18 sq ft).
• Will roll through an 81 cm door opening (32")..
• Station weight: 95 kg (210 lbs).
• Desktop dimensions: 74 cm x 41 cm (29" x 16").
• Optimally supports users up to 136 kg with a height between 155 cm and 198 cm (5'1" to 6'6"). Users outside this range may still be accommodated – please contact support@altwork.uk for more information.

Altwork Stations are built to order in batches, with delivery lead times usually between 8-12 weeks.

Access to Work funding presents a significant opportunity for employers to support employees with disabilities or health conditions while also benefiting the business. Altwork has always supplied to the UK and has supplied through the ATW scheme for many years. By providing up to 100% funding for an Altwork Station, the programme enables employers to:

• Enhance Employee Well-being and Productivity: The Altwork Station's ergonomic design can lead to improved employee comfort, reduced pain, and increased focus, ultimately boosting productivity.
• Reduce Costs Associated with Sick Leave: By proactively addressing employee health needs, employers may see a reduction in sick leave taken due to musculoskeletal, neurological or other conditions that can be improved by better workstation setups.
• Improve Employee Retention: Investing in employees' well-being demonstrates a commitment to their needs and can contribute to a more positive work environment, fostering loyalty and improving retention rates.
• Meet Equality Act Requirements: Providing reasonable accommodations, such as the Altwork Station, for employees with disabilities or medical needs helps employers comply with the Equality Act 2010, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment while reducing the risk of legal action.
• Demonstrate Corporate Social Responsibility: Supporting employees through the Access to Work programme showcases a commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility. Investing in an Altwork Station through Access to Work is a cost-effective way for employers to create a more inclusive, productive, and supportive workplace.

• DWP: Access to Work: official factsheet for customers
• Scope charity: Access to Work grant scheme

• DWP: Access to Work official factsheet for employers
• Scope charity: A manager’s guide to Access to Work

Many of our customers have found that the Altwork Station has been a crucial tool for continuing their careers while managing their health. They have experienced relief from pain, improved focus, and an overall improved quality of life. We also offer content that discusses the Station and we continue to provide content for a number of health related communities.

Many of our customers have found that the Altwork Station has been a crucial tool for continuing their careers while managing their health. They have experienced relief from pain, improved focus, and an overall improved quality of life. We also offer content that discusses the Station and we continue to provide content for a number of health related communities.