Appoint someone - what is an appointee?

Someone who will look after your finances should you become unable to manage them for yourself.

The Department of Work and Pensions can appoint someone else to receive your benefits and to use that money to pay expenses such as household bills, food, personal items and residential accommodation charges.

What will the person do?

The selected person will arrange to receive your state benefits and pay your bills. This includes opening a bank account in your name, ensuring that you get the correct benefits and paying daily living bills using your money.

Who can I select?

You can select someone who you are in regular contact with and could be a close relative or friend.

What if I have nobody to act on my behalf?

We may be able to manage your finances and become your appointee if:

• you are receiving social care services such as home care, day care or a support worker; or

• you live in a residential or nursing home care and receive state benefits.

If you want the council to become your appointee, please ask the person who provides or arranges your care to help you with this.

How does it work?

The person you choose to be your appointee will normally need to apply in writing.

• If you are 60 or over, the person will need to contact the Department for Work and Pensions.

• If you are under 60 the person will need to contact Jobcentre Plus.

If you’re still not sure, please contact the Adult Access Team, see right of this page under 'Related pages'.

Useful contacts

Department for work and pensions
Caxton House
Tothill Street
London
SW1H 9DA

Web: www.dwp.gov.uk

Hounslow jobcentre plus
10 Montague Road
Hounslow
TW3 1LE

Tel: 0845 604 3719
Textphone: 0845 608 8551

Hounslow citizens advice bureau (CAB)
45 Treaty Centre
High Street
Hounslow
TW3 1ES

Tel:0844 4994 113
Web: www.hounslowcabs.org.uk

Feltham citizens advice bureau
2nd Floor, The Centre
High Street
Feltham
TW13 4GU

Tel: 0844 4994 113
Web: www.hounslowcabs.org.uk