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<p>The upper limit (annual cap) was announced in March 2015 and came into effect,
for new customers only, in October 2015. New applications made between October 2015
and March 2016 were capped at an annual limit of £40,800, meaning that new customers
could still potentially receive an award of £122,400 over a three year period. The
annual cap was increased to £41,400 with effect from April 2016 and will continue
to be reviewed annually.</p><p> </p><p>Those existing customers whose awards are or
were above the annual cap have been notified that they will retain their current award,
subject to usual annual reviews, until April 2018, provided their needs remain the
same.</p><p> </p><p>In the meantime, Access to Work specialist teams are conducting
annual reviews with customers and employers to establish the level of support required
and determine whether there are any reasonable adjustments or other changes, such
as greater use of technology, that could assist the customer overcome the barriers
they face. Where appropriate, Access to Work will also commission a holistic workplace
assessment of an individual’s support needs.</p><p> </p><p>We will monitor the application
of the cap and consider whether any further flexibilities might be required in practice.</p>
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