When someone may need help managing their benefits
Some people are unable to manage their own benefit claims due to a mental health condition, dementia, a severe learning disability, a brain injury, or another condition that affects their ability to understand or deal with their financial affairs. In these situations, another person can be formally authorised to act on their behalf. There are several different legal arrangements for managing someone else's benefits, and the right one depends on the person's circumstances. The main options are: being appointed as a DWP appointee, having a Power of Attorney, or being appointed as a Court of Protection deputy. Each arrangement has different legal implications and levels of authority. It is important to note that simply being a family member or carer does not automatically give you the right to manage someone's benefits. You need to have formal authorisation in place. Without it, the DWP cannot discuss the claim with you or accept instructions from you, even if you are acting in the person's best interests.
Becoming a DWP appointee
A DWP appointee is someone who is formally authorised by the DWP to act on behalf of a person who cannot manage their own benefits. The appointee takes on responsibility for making and maintaining benefit claims, reporting changes of circumstances, receiving benefit payments, and spending the money in the claimant's best interests. To apply to become an appointee, you contact the relevant benefit office (for example, the Pension Service for pension-age benefits, or the PIP enquiry line for PIP). The DWP will arrange a visit to the claimant's home to assess whether an appointee is needed and whether you are a suitable person to take on the role. They will want to check that the claimant is genuinely unable to manage their affairs and that you are willing and able to act responsibly. Being an appointee is a serious responsibility. You are legally required to act in the claimant's best interests, use the benefit money for their needs, keep the DWP informed of any changes in their circumstances, and respond to any DWP correspondence. If you misuse the money or fail in your duties, the DWP can revoke the appointment. Appointeeship only covers DWP benefits — it does not give you authority over other financial matters such as bank accounts or property.
Power of Attorney and Court of Protection deputies
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) for Property and Financial Affairs is a legal document that allows a person (the "donor") to appoint someone (the "attorney") to manage their financial affairs, including benefits. An LPA must be set up while the donor still has mental capacity to understand what they are doing. Once registered with the Office of the Public Guardian, the attorney can deal with the DWP on the donor's behalf. If a person has already lost mental capacity and does not have an LPA in place, it may be necessary to apply to the Court of Protection to be appointed as a deputy. This is a more formal and expensive process — there is an application fee, and the court will need to be satisfied that a deputy is needed and that you are a suitable person. Deputies are supervised by the Office of the Public Guardian and must submit annual reports. Both attorneys under an LPA and Court of Protection deputies have broader authority than DWP appointees. They can manage all of the person's financial affairs, not just their benefits. If an LPA or deputyship is already in place, you do not need a separate DWP appointeeship — you can present the LPA or court order to the DWP and they will deal with you as the authorised representative.
Related Benefit Pages
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
For working-age adults whose health affects daily living or mobility.
Attendance Allowance
For people over State Pension age who need help with personal care.
Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
For people whose health limits their ability to work.
Universal Credit
Main means-tested benefit for working-age people on low income.
Pension Credit
Tops up weekly income for people over State Pension age.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be an appointee for more than one person?
What is the difference between an appointee and having Power of Attorney?
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Important: Benefits Robin is not affiliated with the DWP or UK Government. We provide information and assistance, not legal or financial advice. These are estimates based on your answers. Final decisions are made by the DWP.