A DWP appointee is someone who is appointed to manage the welfare benefits and money management matters of a person who is unable to do so themselves.

This could be because the person has a mental or physical disability, or they are unable to manage their affairs for other reasons.

The appointee is responsible for making sure that the person’s welfare benefits are applied for accurately, received in a separate bank account and used for the benefit of the person they are appointed to represent.

They are also responsible for managing the person’s finances, paying bills and making decisions about how the person’s money is spent.

To become a DWP appointee, a person must apply to the Department for Work and Pensions by completing a BF56 application form and then meet with a DWP visiting officer.

Once appointed, the appointee has legal responsibilities and must act in the best interests of the person they represent and understand the 5 underpinning principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

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