Appointeeship and deputyship

What is an appointee?

Some benefit claimants are unable to manage their benefit affairs, usually because of mental incapacity or severe physical disability.

Where no one else is able or suitable to do so, such as a relative, friend or solicitor, Telford & Wrekin Council can apply to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to be appointed to act on behalf of the benefit claimant in order to deal with their benefits.

Download the appointee factsheet for carers

Visit the GOV.UK website for information about becoming an appointee

What is a deputy?

A service user may have an ongoing need for decisions to be made on their behalf as they lack the capacity to make such decisions on their own, and have no-one else who is able or suitable to do so, such as a relative, friend or solicitor. In these cases Telford & Wrekin Council can apply to the Court of Protection to be appointed as a deputy to manage the person’s financial affairs.

Whereas appointees manage benefit income on behalf of service users, deputyship covers all financial assets and savings. Deputies can only make decisions that they are authorised by the Court of Protection to make. The role typically involves managing bank accounts, pensions and other financial assets on behalf of people.

Visit the GOV.UK website for information about becoming a deputy

Last updated: 23/02/2024 12:41