DISABLED people are waiting more than 100 days on average for support to help them into or keep them in work, a watchdog reveals today.

A report from the National Audit Office (NAO) highlights “delays and backlogs” in the Access to Work scheme, which supports disabled people to enter or remain in employment across Britain.

The scheme allows applicants with physical or mental health conditions to apply for funding for practical workplace adjustments, mental health support or communication assistance at job interviews. 

Demand has “increased significantly” in recent years, with applications more than doubling to 157,000 in 2024-25, up from 76,100 in 2018-19.

Average processing times reached 109 working days in November 2025, compared with 66 days in 2024-25 and 28 days in 2021-22, far exceeding the department’s 25-day target. 

The NAO said delays were having “a negative impact on individuals and employers,” including job offers being withdrawn and cashflow problems, particularly for small businesses.

Complaints to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have increased, largely due to processing delays. 

Although staffing costs more than doubled to £24.4 million in 2024-25, the NAO said the department does not expect the backlog to fall “significantly” in the short term.

NAO head Gareth Davies said the scheme plays a “valuable role” but warned that improving value for money requires tackling backlogs and better assessing impact.

Linda Burnip, of Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC), told the Star: “The situation with the complete failure of Access to Work funding availability at the same time the government harps on continuously about getting more disabled people into work highlights not only their hypocrisy but also their total stupidity. 

“Although there are many other barriers for disabled people who would like to work, without a speedy and supportive Access to Work system in place, disabled people continue to be failed.”

Scope’s James Taylor said the report revealed a “brutal reality,” adding that support delays have forced some disabled people to leave jobs altogether.

“The government must urgently get a grip on the backlogs and properly understand the scheme’s impact on disabled people, employers and the wider economy,” he said.

Sophie Dodgeon, RNIB People Head of Campaigns & Public Affairs, said: “Difficulties with Access to Work is the biggest issue that blind and partially sighted job seekers and employees are coming to RNIB for help with. The scheme is plagued with significant delays, with some people waiting over nine months for support which is putting their job at risk. But just as importantly, those with the least sight, who have Support Workers, are finding that Support Worker hours and rates are being cut when support is renewed, which is a major concern for those in work.
 
“Cuts to Access to Work won’t deliver the Government’s aim to support disabled people into work. The support available through the scheme must be maintained. As Access to Work is reviewed, disabled people must also be able to have their say on any changes before these are brought forward.”

The DWP was contacted for comment.