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Managing Someone Else’s Affairs

Sometimes people can’t make choices for themselves. This might be because they are sick, have memory problems, or had an accident.

What is Mental Capacity?

Mental capacity means you can make your own decisions. Some people can’t do this all the time. This can happen because of:

  • Learning problems

  • Dementia

  • Mental health issues

  • A stroke or head injury

The Mental Capacity Act helps people who can’t decide things. Someone else can help them make choices about:

  • Where they live

  • Their health and care

  • Their money and property

For more information about the Mental Capacity Act visit gov.uk.

What is Power of Attorney?

Power of Attorney means you choose someone to help make decisions for you if you can’t. This person can be a family member, friend, or someone who works with you.

There are two types:

  1. Health and Care – for things like doctors, care, and daily life.

  2. Money and Property – for things like bills, benefits, and your home.

You need to fill in forms and send them off before this can be used. You can find the forms on the DirectGov website.

There is a cost, but some people don’t have to pay.

Office of the Public Guardian

This office checks that Power of Attorney is used properly. They keep a record of who has Power of Attorney and help if there are problems.

Contact details:

  • Address: PO Box 15118, Birmingham B16 6GX

  • Phone: 0300 456 0300

  • Textphone: 0115 934 2778

  • Email: [email protected]

Appointeeship

If you can’t manage your benefits, someone else can do it for you. This can be a family member or friend. If no one can help, the Council might do it.

You can find more information and guidance from the Money Carer Foundation.

Where to Get Help

You can get help from:

  • GOV.UK – for forms and rules

  • Citizens Advice – for money and legal help

  • Age UK – for older people

  • Money Carer Foundation – for help with benefits