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Deputyship - FAQ's

Are appointeeships set up by the Court of Protection?

No, appointeeships are authorised and regulated by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or the Social Security Agency in Northern Ireland.

Appointeeships are legal arrangements allowing someone to manage the financial affairs of an incapacitated individual. Here’s how the process typically works:


The appointeeship process

  1. Application – An individual within the vulnerable person’s support network can apply to become an appointee. This application is typically made through the DWP.
  2. Assessment – The DWP will assess the prospective appointee’s suitability and review the vulnerable person’s circumstances. This is to determine if an appointeeship is necessary. The assessment is typically done by a ‘Visiting Officer’.
  3. Appointment – If the DWP determines that appointeeship is the most suitable option, they will appoint the chosen individual. This person is then responsible for managing the vulnerable individual’s benefits, paying bills, and making financial decisions on their behalf.
  4. Ongoing Responsibilities – The appointee has a legal duty to act in the best interest of the person they represent. As part of this, they are required to keep accurate financial records, and report circumstantial changes to the DWP.

The Court of Protection in the UK primarily make decisions on behalf of individuals who lack the capacity to do so themselves. This can be anything from financial, health or welfare related matters. They can also make decisions about Lasting Power of Attorney and Deputyship matters. They will only deal with appointeeship where a relevant concern or dispute has been raised.

It is essential to note that the specific process and terminology vary across the UK. If you are dealing with appointeeship, or similar, it is advisable to seek guidance from the relevant authorities. This is to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations in your area.

For more information about becoming an appointee, please download our appointeeship guide.

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Appointeeship, Deputyship, Power of Attorney, Money Management, Welfare Benefits

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