Get free benefits and money advice if you're struggling with:
- managing your money
- paying your bills
- paying your debts
Finding help to manage your money
If you feel that you are no longer able to manage your own money, you can ask for help from a family member, friend or professional.
It is better to plan ahead and make arrangements when you have the capacity to do so.
There are 3 main types of authority that someone can use to help you manage your money:
- Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) Appointee
- Lasting Power of Attorney
- Court of Protection Deputyship
The council may be asked to step in to manage your finances through Appointeeship or Deputyship through the Court of Protection, if there is no one close to you that is able, willing or capable to undertake this important role. The council charges fees for providing these services.
Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) Appointee
A DWP appointee would be applicable if your income is limited to welfare benefits and state pension. An appointee would be responsible for receiving your benefits, ensuring you are receiving the correct benefits and helping you to use your money as you wish.
DWP appointeeship can be arranged directly with the DWP, with an initial phone call followed by interviews with visiting officers and completion of form BF57. Read the government's web page on becoming an appointee for someone claiming benefits for more information.
If you already hold an Enduring or Lasting Power of Attorney, you will need to register this with the DWP to have access to the donor’s benefits.
Lasting Power of Attorney
This is where you make provision for an individual or a number of people to manage your finances if you lose the capacity to manage them yourself. You must have capacity to be able to appoint an attorney, and once registered, your attorney can legally represent you. It is always best to seek professional advice when thinking of appointing an attorney, although you can now complete the paperwork online.
For full details visit the Power of Attorney webpage on Live Well York.
Court of Protection Deputyship
The appointment of a Deputy is made by the Court of Protection, when you no longer have the capacity to decide who can legally represent you. A Deputyship Order is usually required if you own property, have savings or private pension income, as well as state benefits. For more information visit Live Well York.
Also see
Adult Social Care Community Team
Telephone: 01904 555111, Textphone: 07534 437804
Adult Social Care Emergency Duty Team
Contact the Emergency Duty Team for assistance.