[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "when%20awarded%20access%20to%20work%20support%2C%20what%20is%20the%20minimum%20annual%20turnover%20required"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "If by \u201cAccess to Work\u201d you mean the UK government\u2019s support scheme for people with disabilities who are self-employed, the key requirement related to turnover is that your business must meet the *Lower Earnings Limit* (LEL). ([adhduk.co.uk](https://adhduk.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Access-to-Work_-staff-guide-GOV.UK_.pdf?utm_source=openai))\n\nHere are the details:\n\n---\n\n### What is the Lower Earnings Limit (LEL)?\n\n- The LEL is a threshold set by HM Revenue & Customs below which no National Insurance contributions are payable, but above which one is considered to be \u201cearning\u201d for certain benefits and eligibility tests. ([adhduk.co.uk](https://adhduk.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Access-to-Work_-staff-guide-GOV.UK_.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n- As of the latest guidance, the LEL is **\u00a36,396 per year**. If your annual turnover is below this, you typically won\u2019t meet the requirement. ([adhdaptive.org](https://adhdaptive.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/access-to-work-guide-uk-adhd-neurodivergent.pdf?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n### How it Applies to Access to Work (Self-Employed/Freelance Applications)\n\nTo qualify for Access to Work as a self-employed person or contractor, you need to show that:\n\n- Your business is **active and trading**; and  \n- You\u2019ve earned at least the LEL through your turnover. Importantly, this refers to **turnover before expenses**, not profit. ([adhduk.co.uk](https://adhduk.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Access-to-Work_-staff-guide-GOV.UK_.pdf?utm_source=openai))\n\nExamples of acceptable evidence include:\n\n- Recent Self Assessment tax return showing annual turnover ([adhdaptive.org](https://adhdaptive.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/access-to-work-guide-uk-adhd-neurodivergent.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n- Company accounts or profit & loss statements if registered as a limited company ([adhdaptive.org](https://adhdaptive.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/access-to-work-guide-uk-adhd-neurodivergent.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n- Invoices or business bank statements showing income from work ([adhdaptive.org](https://adhdaptive.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/access-to-work-guide-uk-adhd-neurodivergent.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n### Start-up Periods & Reviewing the Eligibility\n\n- New businesses get a **\u201ctest trading\u201d period** (initial period of sole trading or start\u2010up) during which they are *not immediately expected* to meet the LEL. ([adhduk.co.uk](https://adhduk.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Access-to-Work_-staff-guide-GOV.UK_.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n- If after 2 years your turnover has not yet reached the LEL but there\u2019s a realistic path to doing so, you may be given a further 12 months to meet it. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/access-to-work-staff-guide/access-to-work-staff-guide?utm_source=openai))  \n- At the 3-year mark (end of test trading), the business is expected to be \u201cviable,\u201d meaning meeting the LEL. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/access-to-work-staff-guide/access-to-work-staff-guide?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\nIf you tell me which year you\u2019re asking about (because the LEL can change annual), or whether this is for self-employment vs employed, I can check the exact amount for that situation."
    }
]