What is an appointee?

Some benefit claimants are unable to manage their benefit affairs, usually because of mental incapacity or severe physical disability.

You can apply to become an appointee to manage benefit income on behalf of a service user if you are a suitable person (such as a relative, friend or solicitor).

GOV.UK: guidance on becoming an appointee for someone claiming benefits (external link)

Where no one else is able or suitable to do so, we (Wrexham Council) can apply to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to be appointed to act on behalf of the benefit claimant in order to deal with their benefits.

What is a deputy?

A service user may have an ongoing need for decisions to be made on their behalf as they lack the capacity to make such decisions on their own. 

A deputy can make decisions that cover all financial assets and savings. The role typically involves managing bank accounts, pensions and other financial assets on behalf of people. Deputies can only make decisions that they are authorised by the Court of Protection to make.

You can apply to become a deputy to make decisions on behalf of a service user if you are a suitable person (such as a relative, friend or solicitor).

GOV.UK: guidance on becoming a deputy for someone who lacks capacity (external link)

In circumstances where there is no-one else who is able or suitable to do so, we (Wrexham Council) can apply to the Court of Protection to be appointed as a deputy to manage the person’s financial affairs.