Why would someone need an appointee?

When someone cannot handle their own financial affairs due to physical or mental incapacity, they may need the assistance of an appointee. By providing financial oversight for a number of money management tasks, appointeeship can be an invaluable form of support for vulnerable individuals.

Without a doubt, the service can also be a useful safeguarding tool. Many vulnerable people without supports in place find themselves in positions of financial abuse or risk. Alongside an evaluation of prospective appointees’ capability to carry out the role, the DWP will also seek to understand the level of trust between them and the client. If this does not meet their expectations, the application will be denied.

Appointees need to demonstrate a certain level of competence that they can bring to the role. However, the primary purpose of the service is to make decisions in an individual’s best interest, where they are not capable of doing so themselves. By carrying out the role in this way, appointees can ensure the vulnerable individual is protected from future financial risk, aiming to encourage longer-term independence and security.

If you, or someone you know could benefit from this type of support, do not hesitate to get in touch, or download our appointeeship guide.

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Appointeeship, Deputyship, Power of Attorney, Money Management