a group of three people are sat together in an office-setting. only the back of two of them are visible. the man in focus is in a wheelchair. he is holding a coffee cup and a pen. in his lap there is an open notebook. he seems to be discussing something with the other two people. behind him there is a large tv monitor.
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Appointeeship - FAQ's

What is a DWP Visiting Officer? | How to open Appointee Bank Account

What is a DWP ‘Visiting Officer’?

After submitting an appointeeship application, the DWP will arrange for you and the person you intend to act on behalf of to meet with one of their ‘Visiting Officers’. These are people who will carry out the necessary checks and assist with any questions that may arise.

It is important that you are well prepared ahead of the visit, and have all the required documentation on-hand. The DWP should let you know the meeting time and officer’s name in a letter beforehand. So that you feel prepared, keep in mind that these are some of the things they will want to know:

  • If you are who you say you are, and can prove your identity and relationship to the vulnerable person.
  • That you are a suitable and willing person to manage someone else’s benefit money.
  • Whether you have a separate appointee bank account to receive the individual’s benefits into.
  • If you understand the financial responsibilities of acting as someone’s appointee.
  • That you will act in the best interests of the individual.


Unless the Visiting Officer has any concerns about your application or intentions, they will help you to fill out an application form (BF56), which can be submitted to the DWP.

Opening an Appointee Bank Account

All appointees must open a dedicated bank account into which they can receive a client’s benefit payments. Through our tailored banking platform, Monika, prospective appointees can open a dedicated Appointee Bank Account for this very purpose. Below are just some of the features that make our accounts ideal:

  • Free of charge and simple to open
  • Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) protected
  • Built-in welfare benefit check and entitlement calculator
  • Ability to upload and store relevant documentation
  • Prepaid spending cards for carers and support workers
  • Ability to set maximum and minimum balances on the cards
  • Interactive Secure Portal access for carers and support workers
  • Entry onto the Vulnerability Registration Service database

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

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