Workplace Equipment/Adaptation Grant 2026 — up to €9,523 to adapt your job for your disability
Workplace Equipment Adaptation Grant Ireland 2026
If you have a disability that creates a barrier at work, the Workplace Equipment/Adaptation Grant (WEAG) from the Department of Social Protection covers the cost of adaptations to equipment or the workplace itself — up to €6,350 for equipment and up to €9,523 for physical changes. Either you or your employer can apply. The grant applies to office jobs, trades, remote work, and self-employment.
Workplace Equipment/Adaptation Grant — At a glance
- Equipment adaptation max
- €6,350
- Workplace adaptation max
- €9,523
- Who can apply
- Employee, employer, or self-employed person
- Funded by
- DSP (Department of Social Protection)
- Remote work eligible?
- Yes — covers home workspace adaptations
- Key rule
- Must get approval before purchasing
What the grant covers — examples by category
| Category | Examples of qualifying adaptations | Grant type |
|---|---|---|
| Assistive technology | Screen reading software (JAWS, NVDA), voice recognition (Dragon), screen magnification, braille displays, alternative keyboards or mice | Equipment (up to €6,350) |
| Ergonomic equipment | Specialist ergonomic chair, sit-stand desk, wrist supports, foot rests, adjustable monitor arm for mobility impairment | Equipment (up to €6,350) |
| Communication aids | AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices, specialist telephone headsets, hearing loop for workplace phone | Equipment (up to €6,350) |
| Physical access | Ramp installation, automatic door opener, accessible toilet facilities, handrails, lowered workbench | Workplace adaptation (up to €9,523) |
| Adapted tools | Modified hand tools for tradespeople with limb disability, one-handed keyboard for computer work, foot pedals | Equipment (up to €6,350) |
The Reasonable Accommodation Fund — WEAG and beyond
The Workplace Equipment/Adaptation Grant is part of the broader Reasonable Accommodation Fund administered by DSP. The fund includes several separate supports:
- Workplace Equipment/Adaptation Grant (WEAG): physical adaptations and assistive equipment
- Job Interview Interpreter Grant: covers the cost of a sign language interpreter or other communication support at job interviews
- Personal Reader Grant: pays for a reader for blind or visually impaired workers (separate page on this site)
- Employee Retention Grant: supports an employer to retain an employee who acquires a disability while in employment
Applications for each component are made separately through DSP.
How to apply
- Identify what adaptation is needed
Work out what equipment or physical change would allow you to do your job effectively. If useful, get an assessment from an occupational therapist or assistive technology specialist — this can strengthen your application.
- Get quotes
Obtain at least one (ideally two) written quotes from suppliers for the equipment or adaptation. The quotes are submitted with your application to DSP.
- Apply to DSP before purchasing
Submit the application form (available from your local Intreo office or DSP.ie) with medical evidence of your disability and the supplier quotes. Do not purchase before approval is granted — retrospective claims are not accepted.
- DSP assesses and approves
DSP reviews the application. Approval decisions are typically made within a few weeks. If approved, DSP confirms the grant amount and you can proceed with the purchase or adaptation.
- Purchase and claim
Buy the equipment or have the adaptation carried out. Submit receipts/invoices to DSP. The grant is paid directly to you or to the employer.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for this grant if I am starting a new job?
Yes. The WEAG can be used when taking up a new job, not just for existing employees. If you are about to start employment and know you will need adapted equipment or workplace changes to do the role, you can apply in advance of starting. DSP processes these applications alongside the employment start date.
Does the employer have to contribute anything?
In some cases DSP may expect a partial employer contribution for workplace physical adaptations, particularly for larger employers. For smaller grants and for adaptations that are clearly personal to the employee's disability (like a screen reader), the full cost is often covered. The outcome depends on the specific application — DSP assesses case by case.
Can I use the grant for software subscriptions?
The grant is designed for one-time purchase costs rather than ongoing subscriptions. For example, the cost of purchasing licensed assistive software qualifies; the ongoing annual subscription renewal may not. Check with DSP when applying if your software is subscription-based.
What if the equipment I need costs more than the grant limit?
If the required adaptation costs more than the grant maximum (€6,350 or €9,523), you or your employer can cover the difference. The WEAG covers up to the limit — there is no restriction on spending more from other sources. Employers may also be able to deduct the additional cost as a business expense.
Is the grant available to immigrants working in Ireland?
Yes. The WEAG is available to any employee or self-employed person working legally in Ireland who has a disability creating a barrier at work, regardless of nationality or immigration status. You need a PPS number and to be in employment or about to start employment.
- You must get approval before purchasing — retrospective claims for equipment already bought are not accepted.
- Either the employee or the employer can apply — you do not need your employer to do it on your behalf.
- Remote workers qualify — home workspace adaptations for employees working from home are eligible.
- The grant is for the adaptation cost, not a salary supplement — it pays for equipment or physical changes, not your wages.
- This is separate from the Wage Subsidy Scheme (which subsidises the employer's wage costs for disabled employees) — they can be used together.
Related guides
This page was reviewed against official DSP and Citizens Information guidance and updated to reflect 2026 Workplace Equipment/Adaptation Grant limits and application process.