There are various reasons why some people need help claiming their welfare benefits. An appointee is someone given the legal right to act on their behalf.
DWP APPOINTEESHIP RULES: This section explains how to become a legal appointee for someone who is claiming benefits.
Claiming your rightful entitlements and managing your own affairs can often be a challenge. This is especially so for those who are mentally incapable or disabled.
In these cases, another person can apply for the legal right to manage their affairs for them. This person is legally known as 'an appointee'.
But, specific appointeeship rules apply for the right to deal with someone else's social security claims.
Only one legal appointee can act on behalf of a benefits claimant. In most cases they would be dealing with the Department for Work and Pensions.
The DWP will not appoint any assignees if the claimant is capable, but only needs some general help. Also, you cannot become an appointee as a convenient way of helping your friend or relative.
As a rule, the Department for Work and Pensions classify an appointee as either an:
All appointees have certain responsibilities. You will be responsible for making benefit claims and maintaining them at the relevant office. That means you must:
Note: Often, appointees are responsible for dealing with overpaid benefits. This can be serious if you knowingly provide incorrect information.
Your point of contact depends on the type of benefit claimed by the person you are acting on behalf of.
Note: A different process applies to appointeeship rules for tax credits purposes.
Department for Work and Pensions monitor and review each situation after authorisation. This ensures that the case remains a suitable arrangement for both the appointee and the claimant.
You should contact DWP without delay if you want to stop being an appointee for your claimant. You can do this by phoning the benefit office dealing with the claim. Their phone number will be on any letters they sent to you.
Note: The Department for Work and Pensions can stop your appointment as appointee if:
Appointeeship Rules: How to Become an Appointee for Someone Claiming Benefits