Hi @RosieW
I’m one of the information and advice officers from the learning disability helpline. A lot of people worry about appointeeship and managing benefit claims and funds on behalf of a family member.
Appointeeship gives you legal authority to manage any benefit or welfare money and month to month budgeting on a person’s behalf. However this does not cover property or savings. You can apply for this through the DWP and there is no cost. As an appointee you have a duty to manage someone’s benefit money on their behalf. Although the money will be paid into your bank account, you should have a separate account which the person’s benefits are paid into, so that your money and their money are clearly kept separately. You have a legal duty to ensure that all expenditure from the account benefits the person and are in their best interests.
There is information about appointeeship on this link: www.gov.uk/become-appointee-for-someone-claiming-benefits
If you don’t want to take on this responsibility you could arrange corporate appointeeship through the care provider, the local authority, or a private company. There would be a charge for this service but it takes any pressure off you.
The organisation you mention is one of several companies who offer this service. If you would like details of other organisations, or any more information, then contact the learning Disability helpline on 0808 808 111.
I hope that helps,
Margaret
