Can a doctor recommend an appointee?

Yes. Appointees primarily manage benefits and everyday funds, providing crucial oversight for vulnerable individuals’ finances. They can ensure that bills are paid on time, amongst a variety of other financial responsibilities. Recommendations for prospective appointees can come from a wide range of relevant actors, such as a doctor, or a carer.

This can be beneficial for those living in care, or dealing with a serious medical condition, who lack the decision-making capacity required to deal with their finances. It can also be helpful for those with no supports in place due to limited funding.

Doctors and support workers understand an individual’s needs and the supports available to them relative to this, through the service they provide. Both provide a service that assists the individual with their day-to-day needs, relative to their capacity to do these things themselves.

Appointeeship can be a means to boost this existing support. By allowing hands-on care to continue at the same level, it relieves others of the financial responsibility. Therefore, if a doctor or support worker considers it to be a fitting service, the DWP should be made aware.

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

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Appointeeship, Deputyship, Power of Attorney, Money Management