Get support with managing your money

The appointeeship and deputyship service

We can help social care clients who are unable to manage and make decisions about their own money or property. This is usually because the person is mentally incapable or has a severe disability.

Walsall Council can act as an appointee or deputy, but only for a person who doesn’t have family, friends or another organisation who can do this for them. There is a charge for this service.

Eligibility

Appointeeship

Walsall Council can become an appointee for a person who has assets worth less than £5,000 and:

• uses our adult social care services
• is over 18
• is claiming benefits or receiving state pension
• finds it difficult to manage money on a daily basis
• has no-one else who is suitable or able to take on this responsibility

Deputyship

We can apply to the Court of Protection to become a deputy for a person who has assets worth more than £5,000 and:

• uses our social care services
• lacks the mental capacity to make decisions about property and money
• doesn’t have anyone who has legal authority to make decisions on their behalf
• has no-one else who is suitable or able to take on this responsibility

What an appointee does

As an appointee, we will:

• apply for your benefits
• make sure you get all the benefits you’re entitled to
• complete DWP forms
• pay back any benefit or state pension overpayment
• tell the DWP or Pension Service about any changes
• use your benefits to pay your bills and any care fees
• support with managing personal finances and budget
• make sure that you have enough money to meet your daily needs

Find out more about appointeeships and becoming an appointee.

What a deputy does

As a deputy, we can only make decisions that they are authorised by the Court to make. These decisions must be in your best interests.

Responsibilities include:

• managing daily finances (including benefits and personal allowances, and paying bills and care fees)
• managing assets (including investments, bank accounts, pensions and property)
• Making sure that your assets are used in your best interests
• Keeping a record of any decisions, how the decision was reached and who was asked
• completing and submitting a report to the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG)

Find out more about deputyships and becoming a deputy.

How much it costs

Some fees are set by the Government, and some by Walsall Council.

Find out more about Government fees.

Find out more about Walsall Council fees (on the fees and charges register).

How to apply for the appointeeship and deputyship service

If you or someone you know needs this service, talk to your social care practitioner at your care needs assessment. They will then talk to us about becoming your appointee or deputy.