Access to Work
If ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or executive dysfunction affects how you communicate at work, you could claim Commly Pro through the Access to Work scheme. Grants are available that cover the full cost of your annual licence — and most applicants pay nothing upfront.
£49/year
annual licence cost
No diagnosis
required to apply
100% covered
for companies under 50 staff
The Scheme
Access to Work is a UK government grant scheme run by the Department for Work and Pensions. It exists to help people with disabilities, health conditions, and neurodivergent profiles get into work and stay in work.
The scheme can fund practical tools, software, coaching, and equipment that go beyond what your employer is legally required to provide. If a tool helps you do your job better — and your condition means you need it — Access to Work can pay for it.
Eligibility
Yes. Commly Pro is assistive communication software — the same category of tool that Access to Work regularly funds for neurodivergent professionals.
Access to Work can fund specialist software recommended to support neurodivergent conditions including ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and dyspraxia. Commly Pro directly addresses the workplace communication barriers most commonly experienced by neurodivergent professionals:
Tone Check
Removes the executive dysfunction barrier of staring at a blank prompt box and having to describe what you want before you can get help.
Read Between the Lines
Decodes indirect, politically nuanced, or ambiguous workplace communication that can be genuinely difficult to interpret.
Meeting Support
Generates exact scripts for difficult workplace conversations, boundary-setting, and escalations.
Clear Goals
Converts vague instructions and implied expectations into specific, numbered steps with measurable outcomes.
Calm the Conversation
Separates factual content from emotional language in charged workplace situations.
Switch Off
Provides a structured end-of-day process to close open loops and enable genuine psychological disengagement from work.
Capacity Check
Assesses the cognitive cost of a task before you commit to it.
If any of these barriers affect your ability to do your job, Commly Pro is a legitimate Access to Work funding request.
Who Qualifies
You may be eligible for Access to Work if you:
You do not need a formal diagnosis. Access to Work assesses your needs based on how your condition affects your work, not whether you have a piece of paper confirming it. This is one of the most underknown facts about the scheme.
You do not need your employer's permission to apply — though they will be contacted as part of the process.
How to Apply
Apply online
Mention Commly Pro by name
“I would like to request funding for Commly Professional — a workplace communication software tool at commly.pro — which addresses the executive dysfunction and communication barriers I experience at work.”
Workplace assessment (if needed)
Approval and purchase
Start using Commly Pro
Employers
If one of your employees has mentioned Commly Pro or Access to Work, here is what you need to know.
Access to Work grants are available to help cover the cost of workplace adjustments that go beyond your legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010. Supporting neurodivergent employees with practical tools is both a legal responsibility and a commercial benefit — neurodivergent employees who receive appropriate support consistently outperform baseline expectations.
What Access to Work covers for your company:
Companies with 1–49 employees
Access to Work covers 100% of the approved cost
Companies with 50–249 employees
You pay the first £500 and 20% of costs up to £10,000
Companies with 250+ employees
You pay the first £1,000 and 20% of costs up to £10,000
Your role in the process: You will be contacted by Access to Work to confirm the employee's role and agree to the purchase. You pay for Commly Pro upfront and claim the cost back using the form included with the approval letter.
Want to discuss a team rollout? Contact us at hello@commly.pro and we'll provide a formal quote and any documentation your procurement team needs.
Renewals
Access to Work awards can be renewed — submit your renewal request up to 12 weeks before your award expires. This ensures your funding continues without interruption.
Submit early
Apply for renewal up to 12 weeks before your current award expires to avoid a gap in funding.
Contact us for documentation
Email hello@commly.pro and we'll provide any updated quotes or documentation your renewal application needs.
Your access continues
Your Commly Professional subscription stays active throughout the renewal process — no interruption to your tools.
Assessors
If you conduct Access to Work needs assessments and are evaluating Commly Pro as a potential recommendation, we'd like to offer you full Pro access to assess the tool properly.
Commly Pro addresses communication barriers that appear consistently in assessments for ADHD, autism, and executive dysfunction — specifically the inability to initiate structured workplace communication from a blank starting point, difficulty interpreting indirect or politically nuanced messages, and challenges disengaging from work at the end of the day.
We're happy to provide:
Get the assessor one-pager
Enter your email and we'll send you a concise one-page overview of Commly Professional — what it does, who it helps, and how it fits an Access to Work recommendation.
FAQ
Do I need a diagnosis to apply?
No. Access to Work assesses your needs based on how your condition affects your work, not whether you have a formal diagnosis.
Will it affect my other benefits?
No. An Access to Work grant does not affect any other benefits you receive and does not have to be paid back.
How long does the process take?
The Public Accounts Committee found that applications typically take around 106 working days from application to decision. Applications can take around 5 months to process — apply as early as possible.
Can I apply if I'm self-employed?
Yes. Self-employed people are eligible for Access to Work. In some cases Access to Work will pay providers directly rather than reimbursing you.
What if my employer won't support the application?
Your employer does not need to give permission for you to apply. They will be contacted to confirm your employment, but the application is yours to make.
Can I request Commly Pro even if my assessor hasn't heard of it?
Yes. Show them this page and commly.pro. If your assessor agrees it addresses the barriers you face, they can include it in their recommendations.
What does Commly Pro cost?
Two tools — Tone Check and Read Between the Lines — are permanently free. Pro is £49/year (Access to Work fundable) or £4.95/month. Contact hello@commly.pro for invoicing information for Access to Work claims.
Get Started
Try Commly Pro free — no account needed for the first two tools
Applications typically take around 5 months to process. Two tools are permanently free — start using Commly Professional today while your application is being reviewed.
Applying through Access to Work?
Contact us at hello@commly.pro and we'll provide any documentation, quotes, or information your application or assessor needs.
Not sure if you're eligible?
Visit gov.uk/access-to-work or call the Access to Work helpline.