How can I get funding for a rollator or mobility aid to help me work in Great Britain (UK)?

1. What is Access to Work?

Access to Work is a UK government grant scheme designed to help people who have a disability or health condition access or remain in work. It can fund specialist equipment, travel costs, adaptations and other support so that you can do your job. 
For example, it may cover mobility aids if they are needed in order for you to get to work, stay at work or carry out your job effectively. 

2. Am I eligible for Access to Work?

You can apply if:

• You are ordinarily resident and working in Great Britain. 

• You are 16 or over. 

• You have a physical or mental health condition or disability which has a long-term (likely ≥12 months) and substantial adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities, and you need support to do your job. GOV.UK

• You are either: already in paid work, about to start a job (including a self-employed role), or will shortly have a job interview or begin a work trial. GOV.UK

3. Does the grant cover a rollator (walking frame with wheels) or similar mobility aid?

Yes — the scheme covers “specialist equipment” that is needed because of your disability or health condition in order for you to work. GOV.UK
If a rollator is required for you to attend work, move safely in the workplace or access your workplace, this could be eligible under Access to Work.
You should also consider whether your local authority or the NHS provides walking frames or mobility aids as part of social care or equipment services. For example, the Scope charity notes you may be able to get mobility aids via local authority assessment. Scope

4. How do I apply for Access to Work?

You can apply in two main ways:

• Online: go to the official service on the government website. GOV.UK

• By phone: call the Access to Work helpline at 0800 121 7479 (or 0800 121 7579 if using a text phone). GOV.UK
  When you apply you will need to provide:

• Your contact details and workplace address (including postcode)

• Details of how your condition affects your work and what support you think you need.

• If you’re self-employed, your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number.

• If you are employed, a workplace contact (your manager or someone who can confirm your employment) — they won’t be contacted without your permission.

5. What happens after I apply?

Once your application is received, the Access to Work team will assess your needs and determine what support is appropriate.
You’ll receive an offer letter if your grant is approved. That letter will specify what support will be provided and what you are responsible for. 
You may need to pay for the equipment upfront (or your employer may) and then claim reimbursement depending on how the arrangement is set up.

6. Will the grant affect any benefits I receive?

No — the Access to Work grant does not affect your other benefits.
It’s designed to support your employment, not reduce benefit entitlements.

7. What costs are covered and what are not?

Covered:

• Equipment and adaptations needed specifically because of your disability or health condition to enable you to work.

• Travel costs to work if you cannot use public transport due to your condition. 

• Changes to equipment or aids that are simply “reasonable adjustments” that your employer should provide under law. GOV.UK

8. What if the equipment also has non-work uses (e.g., using rollator at home or socially)?

In such cases, you may be asked to contribute towards the cost (known as a “social & domestic contribution”). For instance, the Motability Foundation explains that if equipment funded by Access to Work has benefit outside work, you may need to contribute. 
When applying, be clear about how much the equipment is being used for your work versus outside work. You can enquire to get a quotation from Trionic where all the costs are specified. 

9. What if I change employers or move job?

If you change employer, you may be able to transfer equipment to your new employer — but you’ll need to contact the Access to Work team to discuss. 
The arrangements may differ depending on employer, equipment ownership and whether the new job has similar needs.

10. Who else can help fund mobility aids if Access to Work is not suitable?

If your situation doesn’t meet all the Access to Work criteria, or the aid is primarily for daily living rather than work, you can explore other options:

• Your local authority’s social care department may provide mobility aids via a needs assessment.

• Charities and grant-funders may support mobility equipment. For example, specialist grant-organisations list mobility equipment funding (including rollators) for people with disabilities. recare.co.uk

• If a rollator is mainly for home or community use and not specifically to support employment, these alternative routes may be more appropriate.

11. What are practical tips when applying for funding for a rollator?

• Have clear documentation from your healthcare professional (physio, occupational therapist) explaining why you need the rollator, how your condition impacts work, and that the aid is required for you to attend/perform your job.

• Get quotes or cost estimates for the equipment (rollator) you need — some schemes ask for cost justification.

• Be clear in your application how the mobility aid will enable you to work (e.g., help you travel to work, move around the workplace safely, reduce fatigue or risk of falls).

• Keep records of your application, offer letter, invoices and receipts — these may be needed for reimbursement or audit.

• If self-employed, ensure you include your UTR and explain how your business role requires you to use the aid.

• Discuss with your employer (if applicable) what support you may already have and how the rollator will fit into workplace adjustments (so you don’t duplicate support).

• Trionic offers VAT relief or special mobility aid schemes, because sometimes equipment for disability is eligible for VAT zero-rating.

12. Where can I find more information or get help?

• Visit the official Access to Work page on the government website for full eligibility and application details. GOV.UK

• Call the Access to Work helpline: 0800 121 7479. GOV.UK

• Seek advice from disability support charities (e.g., Scope) for equipment funding and mobility aid guidance.

• Check with your employer’s HR or occupational health department for assistance needed at work.