What happens when a person with an appointee dies?

All appointeeship duties effectively end upon a client’s passing. It is the appointee’s responsibility to notify the DWP at the earliest convenience. They may also require a copy of the official death certificate.

The person dealing with the individual’s estate should contact the appointee to enquire about the release of funds and documentation. However, the appointee should also make a pointed effort to get in touch, to avoid difficulty following the death.

Generally, funeral expenses are the one exception to the way funds can be handled during this time. Even though appointees are no longer permitted to make or receive payments, they are able to cover the funeral payment (provided there are sufficient funds in the account they held for the individual). This can be beneficial for executors (those dealing with the estate) who may be handling delays with receiving documentation.

To note, when the appointee themselves dies, the main priority becomes the vulnerable individual and the support available to them. All relevant parties should be informed of the death as soon as possible, to ensure there is minimal disruption to the person’s care. It then becomes the joint responsibility of the DWP and the person’s support network to search for a new appointee, if applicable. They should also ensure that sufficient financial supports are in place during this period.

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Appointeeship, Deputyship, Power of Attorney, Money Management, Families