Helping someone make decisions

When someone is unable deal with their own finances, care or other personal matters, it may be necessary for someone else to manage these for them.

Someone who is unable to manage their affairs may use:

• a power of attorney
• an appointee
• a deputy

Power of attorney

Ordinary power of attorney

An ordinary power of attorney is someone you nominate to make decisions on your behalf, even when you are able to do so yourself. Find out more about ordinary power of attorney on the Citizens Advice website. 

Lasting power of attorney

A lasting power of attorney is someone you have chosen to manage your affairs in the event you become unable to make decisions for yourself. Find out more information about appointing or becoming a lasting power of attorney on GOV.UK.

Appointee

Anyone can apply to be an appointee for someone who is mentally incapable or severely disabled and receiving benefits. Appointees are responsible for applying for benefits, receiving them and spending the money on the person’s behalf.

Find out more about appointee responsibilities on GOV.UK.

Deputy

Property and financial affairs deputy

You will do things like pay the person’s bills or organise their pension.

A deputy is more appropriate to manage the affairs of someone that has additional sources of income other than benefits. They also undertake responsibility for the management of all of a person's financial affairs if they become incapable of doing so themselves. This includes their: 

• savings
• pensions
• all sources of income
• assets, such as property and valuables
• investments
• savings

Find out more about becoming a deputy on GOV.UK.

Personal welfare deputy

You will make decisions about medical treatment and how someone is looked after. Find out more about becoming a personal welfare deputy on GOV.UK.

Help when there is no one able to manage affairs

It may be necessary for us to manage someone's affairs if there is no one close to them available.

Care managers or social workers can apply to the appointee and deputy team if they believe the person is unable to manage due to mental or physical conditions.

Start now

If you think someone might need our help managing their affairs, you can ask us to make a care and support assessment.