Can Access to Work Pay for Taxis? A Guide to Travel Funding
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
Travelling to and from work can present significant challenges for disabled people and those with long-term health conditions. While public transport is suitable for many, it is not always accessible, practical, or safe for everyone.
The UK Government's Access to Work scheme provides financial support towards the additional travel costs incurred due to a disability or health condition when travelling for work. Funding towards taxi travel is one of the key options available.
Although taxi funding is one of the best-known parts of the scheme, questions often arise regarding eligibility, covered journeys, and practical management.
What is Access to Work transport funding?
Access to Work is a government scheme delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It provides practical and financial support to help disabled people and individuals with long-term health conditions start work, stay in employment, or move into self-employment.
Transport funding helps cover the additional travel costs faced because of a disability or health condition. This support is distinct from other Access to Work provisions, such as specialist equipment, workplace adaptations, communication support, or support workers.
Every application is assessed individually; support is based on specific circumstances rather than a diagnosis alone.
When can Access to Work fund taxis?
Access to Work may fund taxi travel where it is considered the most appropriate solution to meet a person's work-related travel needs.
There is no automatic entitlement to taxi funding, as Access to Work is not a standalone taxi scheme. Instead, a case manager evaluates how a disability or health condition affects travel ability and whether taxi travel is reasonable and necessary.
Taxi funding may be approved where:
Public transport is inaccessible or unsuitable due to a disability or health condition.
Travelling by public transport would not be safe or reasonable.
Driving is not possible due to a disability or health condition.
No other suitable travel options exist.
Each application is judged on its own merits, taking into account individual circumstances, required work journeys, and the most effective ways to remove disability-related barriers to employment.
What journeys are covered?
Access to Work transport funding is intended solely to support work-related travel.
Depending on the individual award, transport support may cover:
Travelling between home and the workplace.
Returning home from work.
Travelling between different workplaces.
Attending meetings or work-related appointments during the working day.
Other approved journeys that form part of job duties.
Personal travel such as shopping trips, social activities, holidays, or other non-work-related journeys is strictly excluded from Access to Work transport funding.
How does taxi funding work?
If Access to Work agrees that taxi travel is appropriate, the details will be outlined in the award letter, specifying approved transport support and usage terms.
How taxi funding is managed depends on the award. In some cases, individuals arrange their own journeys and submit claims for reimbursement. In other cases, transport is managed through an agreed provider or co-ordinated account system. It is essential to follow the guidance provided in the award and retain all required records and receipts.
For individuals whose awards include funded taxi travel, our sister company, ERS Taxi Service, provides a specialist transport co-ordination service designed specifically for Access to Work users.
Rather than operating taxis directly, ERS works with a nationwide network of licenced taxi and private hire providers to co-ordinate authorised work-related travel on behalf of individuals, employers, and organisations. This simplifies arrangements and ensures reliable transport for work.
Need support with Access to Work?
Applying for Access to Work, understanding an award, or navigating a renewal can feel complex, particularly when managing transport support.
At Westminster Advocate Service, we provide independent advocacy and practical guidance to help you understand the scheme, prepare applications, respond to requests for information, and make the most of your award.
If your award includes funded taxi travel, ERS Taxi Service can manage and co-ordinate your authorised journeys. Together, we offer seamless support from initial application to daily travel.
Visit ERS Taxi Service to learn more about transport co-ordination options.
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