What happens to your benefits

If you can't manage your own affairs because you’re mentally incapable or severely disabled someone can act on your behalf to help claim your benefits. This is known as an appointee.

An appointee can be:

• An individual, eg a friend or relative
• An organisation or representative of an organisation, eg a solicitor or local council

An appointee can only help with benefits and does not have any powers in respect of your bank accounts or private pensions.

Information about the responsibilities of an appointee and how someone applies to become one can be found on the UK Government website.

If you don’t have a family member or friend who can help, visit our Deputyship Team page to learn how the council may be able to support you.