Appointeeship is a formal arrangement with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that allows one person to manage someone else’s benefit payments when that person cannot do so themselves (for example due to severe illness, disability, dementia or other conditions that affect their ability to manage money). 

Appointeeship applies only to DWP benefits; it does not authorise the appointee to manage other finances, property, or make medical or care decisions on behalf of the claimant. 

An appointee is someone appointed by the DWP to act on behalf of a benefit claimant who cannot manage their own benefits. This person becomes the main point of contact for all benefit-related matters with the DWP. 

Appointees are responsible for claiming, receiving, and managing the claimant’s benefit payments, but only within the scope of those benefits. 

There can only be one appointee at a time, and they must be 18 years old or over. 

A request to become an appointee can be made by: 

• A family member or friend 

• A carer or support worker 

• An organisation, like a local authority or care provider 

Before approving an appointeeship, the DWP will assess whether the claimant needs support and whether the proposed appointee is suitable to act in the claimant’s best interests.

If you are appointed, you are responsible for managing the claimant’s DWP benefits and acting on their behalf in all dealings with the department. 

Key responsibilities include: 

• Claiming and managing benefits (such as making benefit claims; ensuring payments are correct and up to date; managing the benefit money for the claimant’s needs) 

• Communication with the DWP (such as responding to letters, phone calls and requests; representing the claimant at benefit assessments or reviews) 

• Reporting changes (such as reporting any changes in the claimant’s circumstances or letting the DWP know about changes in your own circumstances) 

• Record keeping and accountability (such as keeping records of how benefit payments are spent; ensuring benefit money is spent in the claimant’s best interests; acting honestly and responsibly)

DWP information on Appointeeship

Visit the DWP webpage to begin your appointeeship process.

You can start the appointeeship process by contacting the department within the DWP that handles the claimant’s benefits. 

Once you have contacted the relevant benefit department: 

• The DWP will arrange for a visiting officer to interview both you and the claimant (usually at the claimant’s home). 

• The visiting officer will assess whether the claimant is unable to manage their own benefits and if you are suitable to act as an appointee. 

If the DWP agrees to set up appointeeship: 

• You will receive written confirmation. 

• This is provided on form BF57, which is official proof that you are now an appointee. 

• You should keep this form safely, as you may need it to deal with DWP on the claimant’s behalf. 

Once confirmed, you are legally authorised to manage the claimant’s benefits with the DWP.

If you would like more support in understanding appointeeship, please call our Support Line on 0113 380 4300, email us at advice@carersleeds.org.uk or message us via webchat.