Advice

DWP appointee

You can apply to become a DWP appointee if the person you care for is unable to manage their benefit claim because they lack mental capacity or are severely disabled.

Appointees can be relatives or friends, or, an organisation such as a firm of solicitors or a local authority. Appointees must be aged 18 or over.

Once an application has been made to the DWP, they will arrange a visit to the claimant to assess their need for an appointee and they will also interview the prospective appointee to ensure that they are suitable for the role.

Responsibilities of an appointee

Appointees act in place of the claimant, and take over responsibility for making and managing their claim, including:

• signing their benefit claim form
• informing the benefit office of changes which may affect how much the claimant gets
• receiving and spending the benefit in the claimant’s best interests
• telling the benefit office if they intend to stop being the appointee, for example the claimant can now manage their own affairs

Apply to become an appointee

Who you phone to apply to depends on the benefit:

• Attendance Allowance – contact the Attendance Allowance helpline at the Disability Service Centre
• Disability Living Allowance – contact the Disability Living Allowance helpline at the Disability Service Centre
• State Pension – contact the Pension Service
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – contact the PIP enquiry line
• all other benefits – contact Jobcentre Plus