If you need help managing your care, finances or decisions, there are several options. The right option depends on how much help you need and whether you have capacity to make decisions.
Authority to discuss
You can nominate someone to discuss your care, charging and financial records with us. You can only do this if you have the mental capacity to nominate someone. They will not be able to make decisions for you.
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Appointee
You may not be able to manage your benefits because you lack capacity or are severely disabled. In this case, a relative or friend can apply to become your DWP Appointee. They can receive and manage your benefits for you. They cannot access your bank account for anything else. This is different from a Power of Attorney.
Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)
If you have capacity, you can make a Lasting Power of Attorney. This allows someone you trust to make decisions for you. There are two types of LPA:
- Health and welfare – decisions about your care and treatment
- Property and financial affairs – decisions about your money and property
LPAs must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. A financial LPA can be used straight away once registered. A health and welfare LPA only takes effect if you lose capacity.
Find out more about Power of Attorney
If you lose capacity and do not have a Power of Attorney
Someone involved in your care can apply to the Court of Protection to become your Deputy. They can make decisions about:
- property and financial affairs
- health and welfare
- or both
If no one can apply, Wirral Council’s Financial Protection Team may apply to manage your property and finances.