US FederalDoes the ADA require my employer to let me work from home as an accommodation?
The ADA may require your employer to allow remote work as a reasonable accommodation if it enables you to perform the essential functions of your job and doesn’t cause undue hardship.
What the Law Says
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits employment discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations—unless doing so would cause undue hardship.
Under 42 U.S.C. § 12112, it is unlawful for a covered employer to 'not make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability.' A 'qualified individual' means someone who can perform the essential functions of the job—with or without reasonable accommodation.
Remote work (telework) qualifies as a potential reasonable accommodation under the ADA—but it is not automatic or guaranteed. Courts evaluate whether working from home allows the employee to perform the essential functions of the position, and whether the employer can show that remote work would impose 'undue hardship' (e.g., significant difficulty or expense).
The law also requires an 'interactive process'—a good-faith dialogue between employer and employee to identify effective accommodations. Employers cannot unilaterally reject telework without exploring alternatives or assessing individual circumstances.
Statutory TextThe term 'discriminate' includes ... not making reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability ...
— 42 U.S.C. § 12112(b)(5)(A) — Discrimination
Statutory TextThe term 'qualified individual with a disability' means an individual with a disability who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the employment position...
— 42 U.S.C. § 12111(8) — Definitions (incorporated by reference in § 12112)
What to Do
Confirm you meet the ADA’s definition of a 'qualified individual with a disability' (i.e., you have a disability and can perform essential job functions with accommodation).
Request telework in writing, explaining how it addresses your disability-related limitations and enables you to do your job.
Engage in the interactive process: respond to employer questions, provide medical documentation if requested, and consider alternative accommodations if needed.
If your request is denied, ask for the employer’s specific reasons—and whether they considered undue hardship or essential job functions.
If you believe your rights were violated, file a charge with the EEOC within 180 days (or 300 days in some states).
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.