Appointeeships

An appointee is someone who is appointed to manage the welfare benefits and financial affairs of a person who is unable to do so themselves. A young person turning 16 is usually expected to take on responsibility for any benefits they claim. If they are unable to manage their affairs, parent/carers can become their ‘appointee’ for benefit claims.

Becoming an appointee means that you are responsible for making any claims, giving any information required, and disclosing any changes that may affect your child’s entitlement to benefits. The benefits will be paid to you on their behalf. It is important that you open a separate bank account for your child’s benefits. Becoming an appointee for benefit purposes doesn’t mean you have any wider rights to deal with their affairs. You can learn more at Become an appointee for someone claiming benefits.

If a young person doesn’t have family who can act appropriately as an appointee and the young person lacks the capacity to manage their own finances, then the local authority can arrange for an independent financial appointee to manage their money.

Please see the following guide from the government about making financial decisions for young people who lack capacity.