Managing someone else’s affairs can mean a number of things. It can include looking after their bank accounts, claiming benefits on their behalf, or making decisions about their health and personal care.
Many people want to plan ahead for their finances or care, or that of their loved ones. For example, people living with dementia and their families can find it helpful to discuss these subjects and plan for the future.
You can look after someone’s affairs in one of the following ways:
- With a letter or a third-party mandate to deal with a bank, building society or other financial account,
- As an agent or appointee to deal with someone’s welfare benefits or tax credits,
- With a power of attorney:
- There are different types of power of attorney.
- These are legal documents that allows you to appoint someone to have the authority to make decisions about your welfare and financial affairs.
- The Citizens Advice Bureau can tell you about how to apply for lasting power of attorney.
- As a deputy appointed by the Court of Protection:
- This has to be agreed by a specific type of court order. It will state what specific powers you have and what areas of that person’s life you can make decisions about.
- To become a deputy, you will need to apply to the Court of Protection.