Disability ExpertFind what you may be entitled to

Work and study if you are disabled

You may have a legal right to reasonable adjustments at work or in education, and there are specific funds — Access to Work and Disabled Students’ Allowance — that can pay for practical support. A PIP award is not required for either.

Reasonable adjustments and Access to Work

If you are disabled under the Equality Act 2010, or the equivalent law in Northern Ireland, your employer must consider reasonable adjustments. That duty exists whether or not you get a disability benefit, and whether or not you get Access to Work.

Access to Work is a government programme in England, Scotland and Wales that can help pay for equipment, support workers, adaptations and travel to work if you are in paid employment or self-employment, or about to start or return within 12 weeks. You must be 16 or over. Self-employed people need a minimum annual turnover of £6,500. Civil servants get support from their employer instead. Northern Ireland has its own Access to Work scheme.

Disabled Students’ Allowance

Disabled Students’ Allowance helps with study-related costs that arise because of a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition or specific learning difficulty. In England, official GOV.UK guidance says undergraduate and postgraduate students can get up to £27,783 a year. It is not paid on the basis of household income, and you do not pay it back. If you need a new computer, you pay the first £200. Do not buy equipment before your needs assessment.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland run their own DSA schemes through SAAS, Student Finance Wales and Student Finance NI. Amounts and rules differ, so use the official service for the nation that funds you.

Earning while on benefits

PIP, Adult Disability Payment, DLA and Attendance Allowance are not affected by earnings. Universal Credit is. If you have a child on your claim or limited capability for work, official 2026 to 2027 work allowances are £710 a month if you have no housing amount, or £427 if you do, before earnings start to reduce your payment. Carer’s Allowance has a separate weekly earnings limit of £204 from 6 April 2026.

Entitlements in this guide

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a PIP award to get Access to Work?

No. Official GOV.UK eligibility is about having a condition that means you need support to do your job or get to work, being in paid work, and living and working in Great Britain. A diagnosis is not always required.

Can students get Access to Work?

Only if they also have paid work or self-employment that meets the Access to Work rules. Disability-related study costs are usually for Disabled Students’ Allowance instead.

How much is Disabled Students’ Allowance in England?

Official GOV.UK guidance, as checked on 10 November 2026, says undergraduate and postgraduate students can get up to £27,783 per year. What you actually get depends on a needs assessment.

Will working stop my PIP?

PIP is not means-tested, and official guidance says you can get it if you are working. You must still tell DWP if how your condition affects you changes.

What is the Carer’s Allowance earnings limit in 2026 to 2027?

Official GOV.UK eligibility says your earnings must be £204 or less a week after tax, National Insurance and allowed expenses, from 6 April 2026.

What if my employer will not make adjustments?

Put the request in writing, then get advice. Acas, the Equality Advisory and Support Service, or a specialist discrimination adviser or solicitor can help. Time limits for legal claims can be short.

Sources

Last checked 10 November 2026. This is information, not an eligibility decision or legal advice.