Access to Work contact number & how to get a response
Phone, textphone, opening hours and the small tactical things that turn a frustrating chase into a quick reply.
The DWP Access to Work helpline
- Phone: 0800 121 7479
- Textphone: 0800 121 7579
- Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 121 7479
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm
The helpline is the right place for first applications, eligibility questions and award-stage issues. Once you have an award and a provider, claim-stage queries go to your provider, not the helpline.
Once your award is live
Your welcome email from Maximus (or your assigned provider) includes a direct email address and often a phone extension for your contact. Use those for claim issues - going via the main helpline will only route you back to your provider, slowly.
How to get a fast reply
- Lead with the claim reference number in the subject line.
- One issue per email. Don't bundle a login problem with a claim query and a question about renewal.
- Say what you've tried already.
- Say what you'd like to happen next ("please resend the welcome email" / "please confirm this claim has been received").
When to escalate
If a claim has been with your provider for noticeably longer than the timeframe they quoted, a polite escalation referencing both the claim reference and the date submitted usually moves things along. If responses dry up entirely, the DWP helpline can flag the case internally.
FAQs
What is the Access to Work contact number?
The DWP Access to Work helpline is 0800 121 7479 (textphone 0800 121 7579). Lines are open Monday–Friday during standard office hours. For claim-stage queries, your provider (often Maximus) has its own contact details on the welcome email.
How do I email Access to Work?
DWP doesn't publish a general email address - initial contact is via the helpline or the gov.uk apply form. Once you're awarded, your provider has direct email contacts for claim queries.
What's the best way to chase an Access to Work claim?
Email your provider contact with the claim reference number and a one-line summary. Polite, specific, and short tends to get the fastest response.
Related reading
Don't want to make the call yourself?
Book a clarity call →