- An Easy Read fact sheet: People making decisions for you by the Department of Health
- An Easy Read guide: Mental Capacity Act 2005 by the Local Government Association
If a loved one has a condition which means they are not able to manage their own financial affairs or make decisions for themselves, you can support them by taking on this kind of responsibility for them. If you are granted Power of Attorney, you can act on someone else's behalf. If you are appointed someone's Deputy by the Court of Protection, you can make decisions on their behalf.
Here are some factsheets about the process and how to apply:
- Appointees, deputies and power of attorneys - a straightforward overview from Mencap
www.mencap.org.uk/sites/default/files/2018-03/Appointees%20deputies%20and%20power%20or%20attorneys.pdf - Make, register or end a lasting power of attorney (Gov.uk)
www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney - Deputies: make decisions for someone who lacks capacity - becoming a deputy (Gov.uk)
www.gov.uk/become-deputy - Managing affairs for someone else (Citizens Advice)
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/family/looking-after-people/managing-affairs-for-someone-else - Mental Capacity Act 2005 - a guide from MIND
www.mind.org.uk/media/17625468/mca-2005-2017.pdf - Power of attorney (Age UK)
www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/legal-issues/power-of-attorney - Lasting power of attorney (Alzheimer's Society information also in audio format)
www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/legal-financial/lasting-power-attorney
You can also apply to become an Appointee to manage DWP payments without Power of Attorney:
- Becoming an appointee for someone claiming benefits (DWP)
www.gov.uk/become-appointee-for-someone-claiming-benefits
At The Brain Charity we can recommend solicitors who can provide specialist legal advice.
