1. finance
2. bank
3. bank account

Help with
managing
money
If you, or someone you care for,
lacks mental capacity
The Money Advice Service is here to
help you manage your money better.
We provide clear, unbiased advice to
help you make informed choices.
We try to ensure that the information and advice in this guide is correct
at time of print. For up-to-date information and money advice please
visit our website – moneyadviceservice.org.uk.
About this guide
This guide is for you if:
■
■
you have difficulty managing
money because you have a
mental health condition that
you are either recovering from
or which might get worse, or
that comes and goes, or
you are a carer, family member,
friend or professional who
helps to manage the money
of someone with learning
difficulties, or who has a mental
health condition that they are
either recovering from or
which might get worse, or that
comes and goes.
When you read it you will know:
■■ how■someone■else■may■be■able■■
to■help■you
Contents
Key things to
think about
2
Managing on your
own or with help
4
Helping someone to
manage their money
10
More permanent help
14
Your questions
answered
21
Next steps
24
If things go wrong
25
Jargon buster
27
Useful contacts
29
■■ how■to■plan■ahead■in■case■you■
need■someone■to■take■over■your■
affairs■later■on,■and
■■ how■you■can■give■help,■if■you■
would■like■to■do■so.
moneyadviceservice.org.uk
1
Key things to
think about
This guide explains various ways
that can make it easier to manage
your money yourself or how other
people can help you.
If■you■want■to■help■someone■manage■
their■money,■see■page■10.
Admitting■you■need■help■can■be■a■
difficult■step.■But■struggling■alone■or■
ignoring■money■matters■may■cause■
problems,■for■example:
■■ unpaid■bills■−■which■could■mean■
services■like■your■phone■are■cut■off■or■
you■are■threatened■with■court■action
■■ running■up■debts■−■if■you■find■it■hard■
to■budget■and■control■your■spending
■■ hardship■for■a■partner■or■other■family■
members■if■they■rely■on■you■to■run■
the■household■finances.■This■is■
especially■a■problem■if■most■of■the■
household■money■is■paid■into■your■
bank■or■other■accounts,■or
■■ living■on■less■than■you■have■to,■if■you■
do■not■claim■benefits■to■which■you■
are■entitled.
2
If you want to plan ahead
You■may■be■concerned■that■you■could■
lose■the■ability■to■manage■your■own■
affairs,■for■example■if■you■have■been■
diagnosed■with■a■health■condition■that■
is■likely■to■get■worse.■
There■are■steps■you■can■take■now■so■that■
someone■can■take■over■your■financial■
affairs■at■some■future■date■if■necessary.■
This■might■be,■for■example,■your■partner,■
or■an■adult■son■or■daughter.
Any■person■you■choose■to■act■for■you■
should■be■someone■you■can■trust■
completely■and■you■should■check■that■
they■would■be■happy■to■take■on■this■role.
If you want to help
someone manage
their money
If■you■see■a■family■member■or■friend■
having■difficulty■with■financial■decisions,■
it■can■be■hard■to■know■when■to■
intervene■or■what■help■to■offer.
Bear■in■mind■that■the■law■says■you■must■
assume■that■someone■is■able■to■make■
their■own■decisions■unless■there■is■
evidence■to■the■contrary.
As■a■first■step,■consider■what■support■
you■could■give■to■help■the■person■■
carry■on■making■their■own■decisions.■
For■example,■maybe■you■could■go■
shopping■with■them■to■help■them■■
spend■within■their■budget.
Key points
■
It can be hard to ask for help if
you need it. But not asking may
cause money problems for you
and your family.
■
If someone is finding it hard to
manage their money, there may
be ways you can support them
to carry on making their own
decisions, rather than taking
over their affairs completely.
Consider■whether■any■mental■health■
condition■might■be■temporary.■In■that■
case,■could■any■financial■decisions■be■
put■off■until■the■person■has■recovered?
This■guide■suggests■a■range■of■ways■■
in■which■you■may■be■able■to■support■
someone■in■making■their■own■decisions.■
It■also■looks■at■what■to■do■if■you■need■■
to■take■over■their■affairs■completely■–■
see■page■18.
See■the■Jargon buster on■page■27■for■
an■explanation■of■some■words■you■may■
come■across.
moneyadviceservice.org.uk
3
Managing on your
own or with help
There are ways to manage your
budget, savings and pay your bills
more easily. If you need help at
any time there are various ways
of getting help – see page 7.
The■Your money■section■of■our■website■
has■information■and■money■planners■to■
help■you■work■out■a■budget■–■see■
moneyadviceservice.org.uk.
Managing on your own
If■you■have■a■bank,■building■society■or■■
a■credit■union■account,■usually■you■■
can■arrange■to■have■income■paid■
automatically■into■it.■You■can■do■this■
with,■for■example,■earnings■from■a■job■
and■State■entitlements■(such■as■
Disability■Living■Allowance).
Budgeting■means■keeping■track■of■your■
income■and■spending.■This■can■help■
you■to■live■within■your■means.
Having■some■savings■helps■you■deal■
with■unexpected■expenses■and■events.■
This■can■help■you■avoid■getting■into■
debt■–■see■page■5.
There■are■various■ways■to■manage■your■
bills■and■other■payments■more■easily■–■
see■page■6.
Budgeting
It■can■seem■easier■to■budget■using■
cash,■because■you■can■divide■your■
money■into■visible■‘pots’■−■one■to■cover■
the■gas■bill,■one■for■food■shopping,■and■
so■on.■But■if■you■have■a■bank■account■it■
is■easier■to■make■and■receive■payments■
through■‘automated■credit■transfers’.
Asking■for■monthly■bank■statements■■
will■help■you■keep■track■of■the■money■in■
your■account.■You■can■check■an■online■
account■at■any■time■and■as■often■as■you■
like.■Some■online■accounts■let■you■split■
up■your■money■into■‘pots’■for■different■
types■of■spending,■just■as■you■would■
with■cash.
4
Automated credit transfer
This■means■you■do■not■have■to■get■to■■
a■branch■to■pay■in■cheques,■or■fill■in■
paying-in■slips.■It■helps■you■manage■
your■budgeting■because■the■money■is■
in■your■account■straight■away■on■the■
due■date.
To■arrange■payment■by■automated■
credit■transfer,■contact■the■organisation■
or■person■who■pays■you.■See■Useful
contacts■on■page■29■for■who■to■contact■
to■have■State■benefits■paid■this■way.
State entitlements
An■important■part■of■budgeting■is■
making■sure■you■are■getting■all■the■
income■you■are■entitled■to.■If■you■have■■
a■disability■or■your■income■is■low,■you■
may■be■able■to■claim■state■benefits,■
such■as■Disability■Living■Allowance■or■
Council■Tax■Benefit.
Working■out■if■you■can■get■benefits■and■
making■a■claim■can■be■complicated.■
You■can■get■free■independent■help■
from,■for■example,■your■local■Citizens■
Advice■Bureau.■Health■charities■often■
have■a■benefits■helpline■or■can■refer■you■
to■someone■who■can■help.
To■make■a■claim■for■benefits,■contact■
your■local■Jobcentre■Plus■(Jobs■and■
Benefits■Office■in■Northern■Ireland),■if■
you■are■under■pension■age.■Contact■
The■Pensions,■Disability■and■Carers■
Service,■if■you■are■older■–■see■Useful
contacts■on■page■29.■
Savings
Having■some■savings■means■if■
something■unexpected■happens,■you■
have■the■money■to■deal■with■it.■This■may■
mean■you■won’t■have■to■borrow.
You■don’t■need■to■save■much■each■
week■or■month■to■build■up■a■useful■
emergency■fund.■Even■just■£1■a■week■
would■build■to■over■£100■after■a■couple■
of■years.
If■you■have■a■bank■account,■you■could■
set■up■a■standing■order■−■see■page■7■
–■to■transfer■a■regular■sum■each■month■
into■a■savings■account.
Investments
If■you■have■a■large■sum■of■money■−■for■
example,■from■an■injury■settlement■or■
inheritance■−■you■may■need■to■think■
about■how■to■invest■it■for■the■longer■term.
Some■financial■advisers■and■
stockbrokers■offer■a■‘discretionary■
management■service’.■This■means■that,■
instead■of■making■your■own■choices■
about■which■investments■to■buy■and■
when■to■buy■and■sell■them,■you■explain■
your■investment■aims■to■the■adviser■
who■makes■the■choices■for■you.
For■example,■you■might■want■your■
investments■to■grow■without■taking■
much■risk,■or■you■might■want■them■to■
produce■a■regular■income.■Once■the■
adviser■understands■your■aims,■the■firm■
invests■your■money■and■takes■decisions■
for■you.■You■pay■fees■for■this■service.
You■can■find■firms■that■offer■this■type■of■
service■by■contacting■the■Association■
of■Private■Client■Investment■Managers■
and■Stockbrokers■(APCIMS)■−■see■
Useful contacts.■
You■may■want■to■ask■someone■you■
trust■to■come■with■you■when■you■visit■
an■adviser■to■help■you■explain■your■
needs■and■consider■the■advice.
moneyadviceservice.org.uk
5
Managing your bills and
payments
There■are■various■ways■to■manage■your■
bills■and■other■payments■more■easily.
Having a bank account
Bank■accounts,■and■some■credit■union■
accounts,■have■features■(see■below)■
that■let■you■receive■money■and■make■
payments■without■having■to■visit■a■
branch■or■pay■point.■So■you■may■find■
this■an■easier■way■to■manage■your■
money■than■relying■on■cash■or■a■Post■
Office®■Card■Account.
You■can■even■run■a■bank■account■
completely■from■home■using■the■phone■
or■internet.
If■you■don’t■want■the■worry■of■going■
overdrawn■but■want■to■manage■your■
payments■through■a■bank■account,■a■
basic■bank■account■may■suit■you.■Get■■
a■copy■of■our■Basic bank accounts■
guide■for■how■these■work.■Alternatively■
get■a■copy■of■our■guide■Your bank
account■which■sets■out■how■to■open■
and■run■a■bank■account,■including■what■
the■bank■or■building■society■will■do■−■
see Useful contacts■on■page■29.
6
Contact■a■bank■or■building■society■to■
open■an■account■or■to■set■up■phone■
banking.■Go■to■their■website■to■set■up■
an■internet■account.
Direct Debits
You■can■set■up■a■Direct■Debit■to■pay■■
a■monthly■sum■to■the■provider■of■your■
gas,■electricity,■phone■or■other■service.■
The■payments■build■up■in■your■
customer■account■with■the■service■
provider.■When■your■bill■is■due,■payment■
is■taken■from■that■account.
Direct■Debits■can■save■you■paperwork■
and■late-payment■problems.■But■make■
sure■the■monthly■payment■is■not■set■too■
high.■If■too■much■money■builds■up■in■
your■customer■account,■ask■the■service■
provider■to■pay■some■of■it■back■to■you.
You■can■also■set■up■a■Direct■Debit■for■
credit■card■bills.■It■can■pay■off■the■
minimum■each■month,■the■full■balance■
or■a■set■amount■that■you■specify.
The■service■provider■can■help■you■set■
up■the■Direct■Debit.
Standing orders
If■you■regularly■have■to■pay■someone■−■
for■example,■an■allowance■to■a■family■
member■or■charges■to■a■carer■or■home■
help■−■consider■setting■up■a■standing■
order.■This■will■automatically■pay■the■
sum■you■specify■from■your■bank■
account■direct■to■theirs■on■a■set■day■
each■month.
Talk■to■your■bank■or■building■society■
about■setting■up■a■standing■order.
Managing with help
If■you■have■difficulty■with■some■financial■
tasks,■but■not■others■or■you■go■through■
periods■when■you■find■it■hard■to■
manage,■but■can■cope■at■other■times,■
there■are■a■variety■of■ways■you■can■
arrange■for■someone■to■help■you.■This■
should■be■someone■you■can■trust.
Bank and savings accounts:
third-party mandate
Paying■for■things■by■card■is■common.■
But■if■you■find■it■hard■to■remember■a■PIN■
or■to■use■a■key■pad,■you■can■instead■
ask■to■be■issued■with■a■‘chip■and■
signature■card’.
A■third-party■mandate■authorises■your■
bank,■building■society■or■other■account■
provider■to■accept■instructions■made■
on■your■behalf■by■someone■else.■It■
gives■the■person■the■authority■to■run■
your■bank■account■(but■no■other■
financial■arrangements)■for■you.
When■you■pay■in■a■shop,■you■still■put■
your■debit■or■credit■card■into■the■card■
reader.■But■the■reader■will■tell■the■sales■
assistant■to■ask■you■to■sign■a■receipt■
instead■of■keying■in■a■PIN.■
The■account■and■the■money■in■it■are■still■
yours,■but■the■person■helping■you■can■
make■withdrawals■and■arrange■other■
transactions■and■do■all■the■same■things■
to■operate■the■account■that■you■can.
Talk■to■your■bank■or■building■society■or■
card■provider■about■getting■a■chip■and■
signature■card.
Contact■your■bank■or■other■account■
provider■to■request■a■third-party■
mandate■arrangement.■(The■provider■
does■not■have■to■agree.)
Chip and signature cards
moneyadviceservice.org.uk
7
Joint account
Post Office® Card Account
You■could■open■a■joint■account■with■
someone■else■or■change■an■existing■
account■so■that■it■is■held■in■joint■names.
If■your■benefits■are■paid■into■this■type■of■
account■and■you■find■it■hard■to■get■to■a■
post■office■yourself,■you■can■ask■for■a■
named■person■(called■your■‘permanent■
agent’)■to■have■access■to■your■account■
as■well.■They■will■be■given■their■own■
card■and■PIN■so■they■can■draw■out■
cash■and■check■your■balance■for■you.
The■money■in■the■account■no■longer■
belongs■just■to■you.■You■and■the■other■
person■become■joint■owners.■You■can■
set■up■a■joint■account■so■that■either■of■
you■can■make■withdrawals■and■take■
other■decisions.
If■someone■is■helping■you■use■the■
account■to■meet■regular■bills■and■other■
expenses,■you■might■want■to■consider■
having■a■joint■account■for■just■some■of■
your■money■and■keeping■the■rest■in■
your■own■personal■account.
If■either■of■you■died,■the■other■person■
would■automatically■inherit■all■the■
money■in■the■account■and■continue■to■
have■access■to■it.■So■a■joint■account■
can■be■a■simple■way■of■making■sure■
that■your■partner■would■be■financially■
taken■care■of■if■you■were■to■die.
To■set■up■a■joint■account,■contact■your■
bank■or■other■account■provider.
8
To■appoint■someone■as■your■
permanent■agent,■get■an■application■
form■from■any■post■office.
Stay safe!
If someone offers to help with
your bank account, Post Office®
Card Account or other account,
don’t just give them your own card
and PIN. You will be breaking the
security rules and, if money went
missing, you might not be protected.
If you set up a joint account or
third-party mandate, the person
helping you will get their own card
and PIN.
Other ways to get help with state
entitlements
An■ordinary■power■of■attorney■can■be■
useful■if,■for■example:■
If■several■different■people■help■you■to■
collect■your■state■benefits,■you■could■
ask■for■the■benefits■to■be■paid■by■
cheque.■You■can■then■sign■the■cheque■
on■the■back■to■authorise■someone■else■
to■cash■it■for■you.■This■does■not■have■to■
be■the■same■person■every■time■(unlike■
appointing■someone■as■your■permanent■
agent■for■a■Post■Office®■Card■account).■
■■ you■will■be■away■on■holiday■or■in■
To■ask■for■payment■by■cheque,■contact■
the■office■named■on■paperwork■about■
your■benefit■entitlement.■But■consider■
whether■it■would■be■easier■to■have■your■
benefits■paid■into■a■bank■account■
instead■–■see■page■6.
An ordinary power of attorney
A■power■of■attorney■is■a■legal■
arrangement■that■gives■someone■else■
(your■attorney)■the■power■to■take■over■
making■your■decisions.
Some■powers■of■attorney■are■designed■
to■be■permanent■–■see■page■14.■But■
you■can■set■up■a■different■arrangement■
called■an■‘ordinary■power■of■attorney’.■
This■is■designed■to■be■used■–■often■for■■
a■specific,■short■period■–■when■you■are■
able■to■make■your■own■decisions■but■it■
is■convenient■to■ask■someone■else■to■
take■over.
hospital■for■a■time,■or■
■■ if■you■are■able■to■make■your■own■
decisions■but■find■it■easier■to■have■
the■support■of■someone■else■who■
can■step■in.
An■ordinary■power■of■attorney■can■
cover:■
■■ all■your■financial■affairs■(called■a■
‘general■power’),■or■
■■ just■some■areas■that■you■specify.■
You■can■cancel■the■power■at■any■time.
An■ordinary■power■of■attorney■is■
automatically■invalid■if■you■lose■the■
ability■to■make■your■own■decisions■
(called■losing■‘mental■capacity’■–■see■
page■12).
To■set■up■an■ordinary■power■of■attorney,■
it■may■be■helpful■to■contact■a■solicitor■
−■see■Useful contacts■on■page■29.■It■is■
likely■to■cost■around■£150.■But■check■in■
advance■that■your■bank■and■any■other■
providers■that■your■attorney■will■have■to■
deal■with■will■recognise■the■power■and■
accept■your■attorney’s■instructions.
moneyadviceservice.org.uk
9
Helping someone to
manage their money
As a carer, family member, friend
or professional, seeing someone
having difficulty managing their
money and financial affairs can
be worrying.
It■may■be■tempting■to■step■in■and■take■
over,■but■this■is■appropriate■only■if■the■
person■lacks■‘mental■capacity’■(the■
ability■to■make■their■own■decisions)■
−■see■page■12.■
There■are■various■ways■of■helping■
someone■to■go■on■making■their■own■
decisions■about■money■–■see■below■
−■and■many■ways■that■you■can■help.
Whatever■help■you■offer,■make■sure■you■
understand■what■is■involved■and■that■
you■are■able■and■happy■to■take■on■the■
work■and■responsibilities.
Help with paperwork
The■person■you■are■helping■may■find■it■
hard■to■understand■written■information■
about■bank■accounts,■other■financial■
products,■State■benefits■and■tax.■You■
could■go■through■these■documents■
with■them,■explaining■unfamiliar■terms■
and■ideas.
They■may■find■filling■in■forms■daunting.■
You■could■talk■them■through■the■forms■
and■write■in■the■answers,■leaving■the■
person■just■to■add■their■signature.■
10
Help with meetings
From■time■to■time,■the■person■may■■
need■to■meet■face■to■face■with■different■
people■or■organisations■−■for■example,■
a■benefits■adviser,■bank,■financial■
adviser■or■solicitor.
These■meetings■may■be■less■stressful■■
if■you■can■go■along■too■and■you■can■
help■by:
■■ making■sure■the■person’s■situation■is■
clearly■explained■and■understood
■■ taking■notes■so■that■later■on■you■and■
the■person■can■review■what■was■said■
before■they■make■a■decision
■■ asking■questions■if■you■think■
something■has■been■forgotten
■■ making■sure■the■person■does■not■
make■a■decision■too■quickly■before■
all■the■issues■have■been■carefully■
considered,■and
■■ being■on■the■alert■for■rogue■firms■■
that■might■take■advantage■of■a■
vulnerable■person.
Help with budgeting and
day-to-day money
You■may■be■able■to■gently■keep■an■eye■
on■the■person’s■spending■by,■for■
example,■suggesting■you■make■
shopping■trips■together,■offering■to■read■
through■bills■and■statements■when■they■
arrive,■and■helping■the■person■to■pay■
their■bills■on■time.
If■they■need■more■support,■you■could■
offer■to■help■manage■their■bank■
account■through■a■third-party■mandate■
−■see■page■7.■
You■could■collect■their■state■benefits■by■
becoming■a■permanent■agent■for■their■
Post■Office®■Card■Account■−■see■page■8.
Another■possibility■would■be■to■become■
a■joint■account■holder■if■the■person■
wanted■you■to■do■this■−■see■page■8.
You■may■be■unable■to■give■this■sort■of■
help■yourself■but■think■it■would■be■
useful.■In■that■case,■you■could■talk■to■
the■person’s■social■worker■or■other■
professional■support■worker,■if■they■
have■one.■They■might■suggest■using■a■
professional■daily■money■management■
service,■such■as■the■Money■Carer■
Foundation■−■see■Useful contacts■on■
page■29.
If■they■need■help■deciding■on■their■
financial■priorities■our■online■health
check■may■help.■You■can■work■
through■it■together■–■answer■some■
straightforward■questions■to■get■a■tailored■
action■plan■and■some■longer-term■goals■
–■see■moneyadviceservice.org.uk/
healthcheck.
Also■our■Money■Advisers■can■help■you■
to■help■them■with■any■questions■about■
money■–■call■them■on■0300■500■5000.
Stay safe!
If you offer to help with a person’s
bank account, Post Office® Card
Account or other account, you will
be given your own card and PIN.
Never just use the accountholder’s own card and PIN − you
would be breaking the security
rules for the account and could be
vulnerable if any money went
missing.
moneyadviceservice.org.uk
11
Watch out for scams and frauds
What is mental capacity?
People■who■need■help■with■managing■
money■are■often■vulnerable■to■highpressure■salespeople,■scams■and■
fraudsters.
Someone■may■need■help■managing■
their■money■if■they■lack■‘mental■
capacity’■(which■means■their■ability■■
to■make■their■own■decisions).
Keep■in■regular■touch■with■the■person■
you■are■helping■and■chat■to■them■about■
phone■calls,■visits■and■emails■they■have■
received.■Be■suspicious■if■they■say■they■
have■bought■anything■or■made■any■
investments■as■a■result■of■being■
contacted■out■of■the■blue.
The■law■says■everyone■is■assumed■to■
have■mental■capacity■unless■it■can■be■
shown■that:
You■can■find■out■how■to■stay■safe■
against■scams■with■our■online■guide■
–■see■moneyadviceservice.org.uk/
guides.
More extensive help
If■the■person■needing■help■is■going■to■
be■away■for■a■while■−■for■example,■to■go■
into■hospital■−■you■could■agree■to■being■
appointed■temporarily■as■their■attorney,■
using■an■ordinary■power■of■attorney■−■
see■page■9.
If■the■person■has■good■and■bad■days,■it■
might■be■useful■for■you■to■become■their■
attorney■on■a■more■or■less■permanent■
basis.■Then■you■can■easily■step■in■as■
and■when■help■is■needed.
An■ordinary■power■of■attorney■can■give■
you■the■authority■to■manage■either■all,■
or■just■some,■of■the■person’s■financial■
affairs.
12
■■ they■have■a■condition■that■affects■
their■mind■or■brain,■and
■■ as■a■result■−■and■despite■receiving■
appropriate■support■−■they■cannot■
make■a■specific■decision■at■a■
particular■time.
Mental health conditions
Conditions■that■affect■someone’s■mind■
or■brain■can■include,■for■example,■some■
forms■of■mental■illness,■such■as■bipolar■
disorder;■a■significant■learning■disability;■
dementia;■or■brain■damage■due■to,■say,■
a■stroke■or■accident.■It■could■be■caused■
by■a■physical■or■medical■condition■that■
causes■drowsiness,■confusion■or■
unconsciousness,■or■the■result■of■drugs■
or■alcohol.
Specific decisions
Mental■capacity■is■always■defined■in■
relation■to■a■specific■decision.
A■person■may■have■capacity■to■make■
some■decisions■but■not■others.■For■
example,■they■may■be■able■to■manage■
day-to-day■spending,■but■lack■the■
capacity■to■invest■a■lump■sum.
Mental■capacity■may■come■and■go.■For■
example,■a■person■with■bipolar■disorder■
may■go■through■periods■when■they■
cannot■make■decisions,■but■have■full■
mental■capacity■the■rest■of■the■time.
■■ use■or■weigh■up■the■information.■It■
may■help■to■break■up■the■information■
into■small■sections■or■allow■them■
extra■time■to■think■it■over,■or
■■ communicate■their■decision■in■any■
Even■if■someone■seems■consistently■■
to■lack■mental■capacity,■their■position■
should■be■reviewed,■for■example,■
whenever■a■major■decision■needs■to■■
be■made.
way,■including,■for■example,■sign■
language■or■even■just■a■blink■of■an■
eye■or■squeeze■of■the■hand.
Key points
A■person■is■not■treated■as■lacking■
capacity■just■because■the■decisions■
they■make■seem■to■be■poor■ones.
Appropriate support
The■law■describes■four■ways■someone■
may■be■unable■to■make■a■decision.■But■
they■have■the■right■to■all■practical■and■
appropriate■support■to■help■them■
overcome■these■difficulties.■They■may■
be■unable■to:
■■ understand■information■about■the■
decision.■Information■should■be■
provided■in■an■appropriate■form■−■for■
example,■simple■language,■pictures,■
a■video,■or■through■talking■with■a■
carer■or■adviser
■
Lack of mental capacity means
a person is unable to make a
decision for themselves.
■
Everyone is assumed to have
mental capacity unless it is
shown they do not.
■
Lack of capacity is judged in
relation to a specific decision.
A person may be able to manage
some decisions but not others.
Appropriate support can help a
person carry on making their
own decisions.
■
■■ retain■the■information,■but■it■may■be■
possible■to■overcome■this,■for■
example,■by■writing■down■the■
information
moneyadviceservice.org.uk 13
More permanent
help
There are ways to arrange more
permanent help either for yourself
or if you want to give help. If you
need to take over someone else’s
affairs, see page 10.
If you think you may
need help
You■may■have■been■diagnosed■with■a■
condition■affecting■your■mental■
capacity■or■you■may■simply■want■to■
plan■ahead■in■case■your■mental■
capacity■is■lower■in■later■life.■In■these■
situations,■you■may■want■to■consider■an■
arrangement■that■gives■someone■else■
permanent■power■to■manage■your■
affairs■for■you.
In■England■and■Wales,■this■is■called■a■
lasting■power■of■attorney.■You■can■set■
up■a■power■of■attorney■only■while■you■
have■mental■capacity.
There■are■similar■arrangements■in■other■
parts■of■the■UK.■In Scotland■it■is■called■
a■continuing■power■of■attorney■and■in■
Northern Ireland■it■is■called■an■
enduring■power■of■attorney.
14
If you want to give help
You■may■have■been■asked■if■you■will■
take■on■the■role■of■attorney■should■
someone■close■to■you■lose■mental■
capacity.■This■is■an■important■task.■
Don’t■underestimate■the■time■and■effort■
it■may■take.
While■the■person■you■will■be■helping■still■
has■mental■capacity,■discuss■their■
affairs■with■them■and■make■sure■you■
know■where■to■find■their■paperwork.
If■a■person■already■lacks■capacity,■they■
cannot■set■up■a■lasting■power■of■attorney.■
However,■you■can■apply■to■the■Court■of■
Protection■to■be■appointed■as■the■
person’s■deputy■(England■and■Wales)■−■
see■the■Directgov■website■at■■
www.direct.gov.uk.
Similar■arrangements■exist■in■other■
parts■of■the■UK:■appointment■as■a■
controller■(Northern■Ireland)■or■guardian■
(Scotland).■You■will■have■basically■the■
same■powers■and■duties■as■an■
attorney.■If■you■want■to■ensure■that■
financial■support■is■available■for■
someone■suffering■from■a■mental■health■
condition,■you■could■consider■setting■
up■a■trust■−■see■page■19.
Setting up a lasting power
of attorney
A■lasting■power■of■attorney■gives■one■or■
more■people■(your■‘attorneys’)■the■legal■
power■to■manage■your■affairs■for■you■on■
an■ongoing■basis.
You■can■appoint■more■than■one■
attorney■and■can■specify■whether■they■
must■make■decisions■jointly■and■
individually,■or■can■act■independently.
It■is■a■good■idea■to■name■one■or■more■
replacement■attorneys■who■would■take■
over■if■your■first■choice■died■or■could■no■
longer■act■for■you.
You■must■have■mental■capacity■at■■
the■time■you■set■up■the■arrangement.■■
A■lasting■power■is■usually■designed■to■
start■if■you■lose■capacity■later■on.
Alternatively,■it■can■start■straight■away,■
in■which■case■it■carries■on■if■later■you■
lose■mental■capacity.
It■takes■at■least■eleven■weeks■to■register■■
a■lasting■power■of■attorney■–■see■page■16■
–■and■if■you■lost■mental■capacity■during■
that■time,■your■attorney■would■not■be■
able■to■act■for■you■until■it■is■registered.
Who to choose as your attorney
Most■people■appoint■their■husband,■
wife,■partner,■other■family■member■or■a■
close■friend■as■attorney.■It■is■essential■
that■it■is■someone■you■trust.
Your■attorney■will■take■decisions■for■
you,■but■should■always■act■in■your■best■
interests.
Your■attorney■can■be■a■company,■■
for■example■part■of■a■bank.■It■will■charge■
a■fee.
Types of lasting power of
attorney
In■England■and■Wales,■there■are■two■
types■of■lasting■power■of■attorney.■You■
can■set■up■one■or■both:
■■ Property and affairs lasting power
of attorney.■Your■attorney■has■the■
power■to■manage■all■your■financial■
affairs■including,■for■example,■running■
your■bank■and■savings■accounts,■
managing■your■tax■affairs,■and■buying■
and■selling■investments■and■property.
■■ Personal
welfare lasting power
of attorney. Your■attorney■has■the■
power■to■make■decisions■about■
matters■affecting■your■care■and■
welfare,■for■example,■what■medical■
treatment■you■receive■and■moving■
into■a■care■home.
moneyadviceservice.org.uk 15
Creating a lasting power of
attorney
Cancelling a lasting power of
attorney
You■can■get■the■forms■and■guidance■
you■need■to■create■a■lasting■power■of■
attorney■from■the■Office■of■the■Public■
Guardian■−■see■Useful contacts■on■
page■29.■The■forms■include■a■useful■
checklist■at■the■start■to■make■sure■you■
have■included■everything.
While■you■still■have■mental■capacity,■you■
can■cancel■a■lasting■power■of■attorney■
at■any■time.■It■is■best■to■do■this■by■
drawing■up■a■written■deed■of■revocation.
You■send■the■completed■forms,■
together■with■the■fee,■to■the■Office■of■
the■Public■Guardian.■It■checks■the■form■
is■accurately■completed■and■that■any■
special■provisions■−■for■example,■
restrictions■on■what■the■attorney■is■
allowed■to■do■−■are■workable■in■
practice.■If■there■are■errors■or■problems,■
the■form■will■be■returned.
Notifications■are■sent■to■the■people■as■
listed■in■the■form■to■be■notified■about■
the■registration.■They■are■asked■to■
submit■any■objections.
If■there■are■none,■registration■goes■
ahead.■The■process■takes■at■least■
eleven■weeks.
Letting■someone■else■take■over■your■
affairs■is■a■major■decision■and■you■
should■make■sure■you■understand■all■
the■implications.■You■may■want■to■get■
advice■from■a■solicitor■if■you■think■your■
affairs■are■complicated■−■see Useful
contacts.
16
If■your■power■of■attorney■has■been■
registered,■you■will■need■to■tell■the■
Office■of■the■Public■Guardian■about■the■
revocation■and■it■will■remove■the■entry■
from■the■register.
After■you■have■lost■capacity,■the■lasting■
power■of■attorney■can■only■be■
cancelled■with■the■agreement■of■the■
Court■of■Protection■−■see■Useful
contacts.
Registration and costs
It■costs■nothing■to■draw■up■a■lasting■
power■of■attorney,■unless■you■want■to■
employ■the■help■of■a■solicitor.■However,■
a■lasting■power■of■attorney■cannot■be■
used■until■it■is■registered.
You■can■register■a■lasting■power■■
of■attorney■at■any■time■but■it■is■
recommended■that■you■do■this■well■
before■your■attorney■needs■to■take■over■
your■affairs.■This■is■because■immediate■
registration■allows■any■errors■in■the■
lasting■power■of■attorney■to■be■identified■
at■a■time■when■they■can■be■corrected.■
Waiting■to■register■until■you■lose■capacity■
means■it■is■less■likely■you■would■be■in■a■
position■to■make■a■fresh,■error-free■
lasting■power■of■attorney■if■required.
The■registration■fee■in■England■and■
Wales■is■£120■for■each■lasting■power■of■
attorney.■The■fee■may■change■so■it’s■a■
good■idea■to■check■the■current■fee■with■
the■Office■of■the■Public■Guardian.
Pre-October 2007 arrangements
In■England■and■Wales,■you■may■have■
set■up■a■power■of■attorney■before■■
1■October■2007,■in■which■case■it■is■
called■an■enduring■power■of■attorney.■
You■can■no■longer■set■up■this■type■of■
power.■However,■an■existing■enduring■
power■is■still■valid.
An■enduring■power■of■attorney■can■be■
used■without■registration■provided■you■
still■have■mental■capacity.■But■it■must■
be■registered■as■soon■as■you■start■to■
lose■capacity.■The■registration■fee■is■
£120.■The■fee■may■change■so■it’s■a■
good■idea■to■check■the■current■fee■with■
the■Office■of■the■Public■Guardian.
Variations across the UK
Scotland■uses■a■similar■system■of■
power■of■attorney■to■England■and■
Wales■but■the■names■are■different.
A■welfare■power■of■attorney■is■
equivalent■to■a■personal■welfare■lasting■
power■of■attorney.
Scotland■has■its■own■Office■of■the■
Public■Guardian■where■you■register■
your■documents■−■see■Useful contacts■
on■page■29.
The■fee■for■registration■is■£70■for■each■
power.
In■Northern Ireland,■you■can■set■up■an■
enduring■power■of■attorney,■which■is■
similar■to■the■English■property■and■
affairs■lasting■power■of■attorney.
There■is■no■equivalent■to■the■personal■
welfare■lasting■power■of■attorney.
While■you■have■mental■capacity,■an■
enduring■power■can■be■used■without■
being■registered.■But■if■you■start■to■lose■
capacity,■your■attorney■must■register■it■
with■the■Office■of■Care■and■Protection■
−■see■Useful contacts.
The■registration■fee■is■£115.
A■continuing■power■of■attorney■in■
Scotland■is■equivalent■to■a■property■■
and■affairs■lasting■power■of■attorney.
moneyadviceservice.org.uk
17
Taking over someone’s
affairs and other ways
to help
If■someone■close■to■you■lacks■mental■
capacity,■you■may■have■to■manage■their■
money■for■them.■You■may■also■want■to■
make■financial■arrangements■so■that■
they■will■continue■to■get■the■support■
they■need■even■if■you■are■no■longer■able■
to■help.
Acting as attorney
Acting as deputy
A■person■must■have■mental■capacity■■
at■the■time■they■set■up■a■power■of■
attorney.■It■is■too■late■if■they■have■
already■lost■capacity.■And■someone■
with,■say,■a■severe■learning■disability■
may■never■have■the■capacity■to■manage■
their■own■money.
However,■you■can■apply■to■take■over■
their■financial■affairs.■You■will■then■have■
largely■the■same■powers■and■duties■as■
an■attorney.
You■may■have■been■asked■if■you■will■
take■on■the■role■of■attorney■when■
someone■close■to■you■loses■mental■
capacity.■This■is■an■important■task.■
Don’t■underestimate■the■time■and■effort■
it■may■take.■You■will■be■responsible■for■
managing■their■income,■bills,■tax■and■
other■financial■matters,■such■as■taking■
out■insurance,■and■buying■and■selling■
investments■and■property.
Scotland■has■its■own■Office■of■the■
Public■Guardian■and■you■will■be■called■■
a■guardian■rather■than■a■deputy■–■see■
Useful contacts.
While■the■person■you■will■be■helping■still■
has■mental■capacity,■discuss■their■
affairs■with■them■and■make■sure■you■
know■where■to■find■their■paperwork.
In■Northern Ireland,■you■apply■to■
the■Office■for■Care■and■Protection■to■■
be■appointed■as■a■controller■–■see■
Useful contacts.
You■can■find■useful■guidance■on■being■
an■attorney■on■the■website■of■the■Office■
of■the■Public■Guardian■–■see■Useful
contacts■on■page■29.
18
In■England and Wales,■you■apply■to■be■
appointed■as■a■deputy■by■contacting■
the■Court■of■Protection■which■can■
provide■the■forms■and■guidance■that■
you■need■−■see■Useful contacts.
Using a trust
How to set up a trust
You■may■want■to■ensure■that■someone■
who■cannot■manage■their■money■gets■
the■support■they■need■even■when■you■
are■no■longer■able■to■help■them.■The■
solution■may■be■to■set■up■a■trust.
The■legal■wording■of■a■trust■needs■to■be■
precise,■so■you■usually■ask■a■solicitor■to■
set■it■up.■This■may■cost■around■£1,000■
or■more.■It■may■be■possible■to■pay■the■
cost■out■of■social■services■payments.
A■trust■is■a■legal■arrangement■where■
one■or■more■people■or■a■company■
(called■the■trustees)■owns■money■or■
assets■(called■the■trust■property)■which■
they■must■use■for■the■benefit■of■one■or■
more■people■(the■beneficiaries).
Usually■the■trustees■are■family■members■
or■close■friends.■Alternatively,■you■can■
appoint■a■company,■such■as■a■bank■or■
firm■of■solicitors,■but■it■will■charge.
When you might use a trust
A■trust■can■be■especially■useful■if■you■
want■to■ensure■that,■say,■a■son■or■
daughter■with■a■mental■health■condition■
or■learning■disability■carries■on■being■
financially■provided■for■even■after■you■
have■passed■away.■You■can■make■a■gift■
of■money,■investments■or■other■assets■
to■the■trust.
A■trust■can■also■be■useful■if■the■person■
with■a■mental■health■condition■or■
learning■disability■is■claiming■State■
benefits,■such■as■Disability■Living■
Allowance,■or■cash■help■from■their■local■
social■services■department■to■buy■care■
services.■These■payments■can■be■made■
to■the■trustees■who■can■then■spend■
them■for■the■benefit■of■the■claimant.
Key points
■
While you have mental capacity,
consider setting up a lasting
power of attorney so that
someone can take over your
affairs later on.
■
If someone already lacks
mental capacity, you can ask
to be appointed as their deputy
so you can take over managing
their affairs.
■
Putting money and other
assets into a trust can help to
ensure a person with a mental
health condition is financially
provided for.
moneyadviceservice.org.uk 19
When considering
setting up a lasting
power of attorney:
Check
that you choose a person to act as your attorney who
you trust completely. It is a good idea to name one or
more replacement attorneys who would take over if
your first choice died or could no longer act for you.
Check
that whoever you choose as your attorney is willing
to act for you. It is a good idea to talk over your
affairs with them, so that they know what is involved,
what your wishes would be and where to find your
paperwork, including the power of attorney.
Check
that you read the Office of the Public Guardian’s
guidance carefully and fill in the power of attorney
form correctly. Use the checklist at the start to make
sure you have included everything.
Check
that you or the attorney registers the power of
attorney in good time. It takes at least eleven weeks
to register and even if you have already lost mental
capacity, your attorney would not be able to act for
you during that time.
20
Your questions
answered
Question
It’s hard to use a PIN
when I pay by debit card.
Will the shop let me sign
for the payment instead?
Question
I’ve been asked to show
proof of identity when I
use a chip and signature
card. Is that right?
Answer
Answer
Not■if■you■have■a■‘chip■and■PIN’■card.■
Sales■assistants■must■follow■the■
instructions■given■by■the■card■reader.■■
If■you■insert■a■chip■and■PIN■card,■the■
assistant■has■no■choice■but■to■ask■you■
to■enter■your■PIN.
No.■Shops■and■other■retailers■should■
not■ask■you■for■proof■of■identity.■Your■
signature■alone■should■be■enough■to■
authorise■the■payment.■
If■you■would■find■it■easier■to■sign■
instead,■you■will■need■to■ask■your■card■
provider■to■issue■you■with■a■‘chip■and■
signature’■card.■
moneyadviceservice.org.uk 21
Question
I have set up an ordinary
power of attorney – do I
have to register it?
Answer
No.■The■aim■of■registration■is■to■protect■
people■who■have■lost■mental■capacity.■
An■ordinary■power■of■attorney■stops■
being■valid■if■that■happens,■so■does■not■
need■to■be■registered.
Question
My son has learning
difficulties and wants a
bank account. But what if
he goes overdrawn?
Answer
There■are■different■types■of■bank■
account.■He■could■choose■a■‘basic■
bank■account’.■This■has■a■limited■range■
of■features■and■does■not■include■an■
overdraft.■The■amount■in■the■account■
will■normally■be■checked■each■time■
your■son■wants■to■draw■money■out■or■
pay■a■bill,■so■that■he■should■not■be■able■
spend■more■than■he■has■in■the■account.
For■more■information■see■our■Basic
bank accounts■guide■–■see Useful
contacts■on■page■29.
22
Question
As an attorney, can I
make gifts on behalf of
the person whose affairs
I am managing?
Answer
Unless■the■power■of■attorney■
specifically■restricts■your■right■to■do■
this,■you■can■make■some,■limited■gifts.
These■are■charitable■donations,■and■
gifts■to■relatives■and■close■friends,■and■
birthday,■wedding■and■similar■gifts■that■
the■person■would■usually■have■made.
The■gifts■must■be■appropriate■to■the■
amount■of■money■the■person■has.
Question
My husband has
dementia. I’m worried
that if he dies I may lose
our home which is in his
name. Can my husband
or his attorney make a
will leaving it to me?
Answer
If■your■husband■does■not■have■mental■
capacity,■he■cannot■write■a■will.■
He■may■have■set■up■a■lasting,■
continuing■or■enduring■power■of■
attorney■that■has■now■come■into■effect,■
but■an■attorney■does■not■have■the■
power■to■write■a■will■on■behalf■of■the■
person■whose■affairs■they■are■
managing.
It■seems■likely,■if■your■husband■dies,■
that■his■estate■will■be■distributed■under■
the■law■of■intestacy■(statutory■rules■that■
apply■when■there■is■no■will).■This■favours■
a■husband,■wife,■civil■partner■and■
children,■so■you■may■find■you■are■able■
to■keep■your■home.■Contact■a■solicitor■
for■more■information■−■see■Useful
contacts■on■page■29.■You■should■also■
consider■applying■to■the■Court■of■
Protection■for■a■statutory■will.
moneyadviceservice.org.uk 23
Next steps
If you are finding it difficult to manage
your money
Step 1
See if there are ways to rearrange your finances
− such as setting up Direct Debits − that would make
managing your money easier – see page 6.
Step 2
Think about whether there is someone you trust who
could help you − for example by operating your bank
account under a third-party mandate – see page 7.
Step 3
Consider whether to draw up a lasting power of
attorney now (or equivalent in Scotland or Northern
Ireland), that would come into effect later if you could
no longer manage your money − see page 15.
If you want to help someone manage
their money
Step 1
Check out the ways that you could help − see
page 10.
Step 2
If they have previously set up a lasting power of
attorney*, is it time for the attorney to step in? If there
is no power of attorney, consider whether you should
apply to the Court of Protection* to be appointed as a
deputy − see page 14.
* Or equivalent in Scotland or Northern Ireland – see page 14
24
If things
go wrong
Problems with banks and
financial firms
If■you■have■a■complaint,■first■contact■the■
bank■or■other■firm■to■get■it■resolved.
If■you■are■unhappy■with■their■response,■
you■may■be■able■to■take■your■complaint■
to■the■Financial■Ombudsman■Service.■
Get■a■copy■of■our■Making a complaint■
guide■−■see Useful contacts■on■page■29.
You■may■want■to■ask■someone■you■
trust■to■help■you■make■your■complaint.
If you suspect abuse
or fraud
People■who■find■it■hard■to■manage■their■
money■may■be■especially■vulnerable■to■
fraud■or■other■types■of■abuse.
If■you■think■someone■is■in■immediate■
danger,■report■it■to■the■police.
Problems with attorneys
The■Office■of■the■Public■Guardian■and■
the■equivalent■bodies■in■Scotland■and■
Northern■Ireland■aim■to■protect■the■
interests■of■people■who■lack■mental■
capacity.
The■Court■of■Protection,■and■equivalent■
courts■in■Scotland■and■Northern■
Ireland,■can■settle■disputes■concerning■
their■interests.
Before■a■power■of■attorney■is■registered,■
the■person■applying■to■register■the■
Lasting■Power■of■Attorney■contacts■
people■named■in■the■power■−■usually■
family■and■possibly■close■friends■−■to■
check■whether■there■are■any■objections■
to■the■power■going■ahead■and■the■
attorney■(or■attorneys)■being■appointed.
If■you■think■the■arrangement■is■not■going■
to■work■in■the■best■interests■of■the■person■
who■drew■up■the■power■of■attorney,■you■
should■make■your■objections■known.
moneyadviceservice.org.uk 25
If■you■are■acting■as■an■attorney■and■
suspect■that■a■fellow■attorney■is■not■
acting■in■the■best■interests■of■the■
person■who■granted■the■power■of■
attorney,■you■should■first■discuss■the■
matter■with■your■fellow■attorney.■If■this■
does■not■resolve■the■matter,■you■can■
report■the■problem■to■the■Office■of■the■
Public■Guardian■who■will■investigate■−■
see■Useful contacts■on■page■29.
Similarly,■if■you■are■a■family■member■■
or■friend■and■have■evidence■that■an■
attorney■is■not■acting■in■the■best■
interests■of■the■person■who■granted■■
the■power,■you■can■notify■the■Office■■
of■the■Public■Guardian.
26
What if an attorney dies?
If■your■power■of■attorney■names■one■or■
more■replacement■attorneys,■they■take■
over,■or■if■your■attorneys■were■appointed■
to■act■jointly■and■individually,■the■surviving■
attorney■may■continue■to■act.
If■there■are■no■replacements,■the■power■
of■attorney■can■no■longer■be■used.
What if there is no power
of attorney and no-one
who can act as a deputy?
The■Court■of■Protection■can■appoint■
someone■from■the■Panel■of■Deputies■■
to■act■as■a■deputy■and■manage■the■
financial■affairs■of■someone■who■has■
lost■mental■capacity.■The■panel■deputy■
will■charge■a■fee■for■this■service.
Jargon buster
Some key words and phrases explained.
Attorney
A■person■who■is■given■the■legal■power■
to■manage■someone■else’s■affairs■on■
their■behalf.
Continuing power of
attorney
A■legal■arrangement■in■Scotland■giving■
someone■else■the■power■to■manage■a■
person’s■financial■affairs.■It■starts■or■
continues■even■if■the■person■loses■
mental■capacity.
Credit union
An■organisation■that■lets■you■save■and■
borrow■money.■They■are■owned■and■
run■by■their■members,■for■their■
members.■Membership■depends■on■
people■having■a■common■bond.
Enduring power of
attorney (EPA)
A■legal■arrangement■in■Northern■Ireland■
(and■in■England■and■Wales■before■■
1■October■2007),■giving■someone■else■
the■power■to■manage■a■person’s■
financial■affairs.■It■starts■or■continues■
even■if■the■person■loses■mental■
capacity.
Intestate
When■someone■dies■without■having■
written■a■will.
Lack of mental capacity
Being■unable■to■make■a■specific■
decision■for■yourself■because■of■a■
temporary■or■permanent■impairment■or■
disturbance■of■your■mind■or■brain.
Some■credit■unions■provide■additional■
services,■such■as■bill■payment■direct■
from■the■account.
moneyadviceservice.org.uk 27
Lasting power of attorney
(LPA)
Personal identification
number (PIN)
A■legal■arrangement■in■England■and■
Wales■giving■someone■else■the■power■
to■manage■a■person’s■affairs■on■their■
behalf.■It■starts■or■continues■even■if■the■
person■loses■mental■capacity.
A■security■code■used■with■a■plastic■card■
to■withdraw■cash■from■a■bank■or■other■
account■or■to■authorise■payments■from■
the■account.
Mental capacity
The■ability■to■make■a■decision■for■
yourself.■You■are■assumed■to■have■
mental■capacity■unless■it■can■be■■
shown■otherwise.
Ordinary power of
attorney
A■legal■arrangement■giving■someone■
else■the■power■to■manage■a■person’s■
financial■affairs■on■their■behalf,■usually■
for■a■set■period.■It■automatically■stops■if■
the■person■loses■mental■capacity.
28
Post Office® Card
Account
An■account■into■which■State■benefits■
can■be■automatically■paid■and■
withdrawn■in■cash■at■post■office■
branches.■The■account■offers■no■other■
banking■services.
Third-party mandate
An■arrangement■with■a■bank■or■other■
account■provider■to■accept■instructions■
from■someone■else■on■behalf■of■the■
account■holder.
Useful contacts
Money Advice Service
For■advice■based■on■your■own■
circumstances■or■to■order■other■guides
Money Advice Line: 0300■500■5000■
Typetalk:■1800■1■0300■500■5000
Calls■should■cost■no■more■than■01■or■02■
UK-wide■calls,■and■are■included■in■inclusive■
mobile■and■landline■minutes.■To■help■us■
maintain■and■improve■our■service,■we■■
may■record■or■monitor■calls.
Other Money Advice Service guides
■■ Basic■bank■accounts■
■■ Getting■financial■advice
■■ Making■the■most■of■your■money
■■ Problems■paying■your■mortgage
■■ Your■bank■account
■■ Your■pension■–■it’s■time■to■choose
For■more■titles,■call■us■or■go■to■
moneyadviceservice.org.uk/
publications
On the Money Advice Service
website you can find:
■■ a■health
check■to■help■you■build■up■
some■good■financial■habits■and■
reach■your■goals
■■ a■budget
planner■to■help■you■work■
out■your■spending,■and
■■ comparison
tables■for■savings■
accounts■and■other■products.
Go■to■moneyadviceservice.org.uk/
interactive
Call rates to the following
organisations may vary – check
with your telephone provider.
Bank and building society
accounts
British Bankers’ Association (BBA)
www.bba.org.uk
Guide:■Banking■for■people■who■lack■
capacity■to■make■decisions■(separate■
guides■for■England/Wales■and■Scotland)
Leaflet:■Disability■law■
Leaflet:■You■and■your■joint■account
moneyadviceservice.org.uk 29
■
Building Societies Association
(BSA)
www.bsa.org.uk
Guide:■You■and■your■joint■account
Making Money Easier
www.making-money-easier.info
Guide:■The■Easy■Picture■Guide■■
to■Banking■
Mental Health Foundation
020■7803■1101■
www.mentalhealth.org.uk
Guide:■Banking■on■good■decisions■
Available■in■Easier■Read
Benefits advice
Citizens Advice Bureau (England,
Wales and Northern Ireland)
See■phone■book■
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
(England■and■Wales)■
www.citizensadvice.co.uk
(Northern■Ireland)
Citizens Advice Scotland
See■phone■book
www.cas.org.uk
Money Advice Scotland
Tel:■0141■572■0237■
www.moneyadvicescotland.org.uk
Advice NI (Northern Ireland)
Tel:■028■9064■5919■
www.adviceni.net
Directgov
Government■benefits■adviser■tool
www.direct.gov.uk/benefitsadviser
The Pensions, Disability and
Carers Service
Benefit■Enquiry■Line■0800■882■200■
Textphone■0800■243■355
30
■
State benefits – to arrange
automated credit transfer (also
called ‘direct payment’)
Contact■the■Jobcentre■Plus■or■Pension■
Service■office■dealing■with■your■claim.
Money Carer Foundation
Contact■through■your■local■council■
social■services■department■or■other■
professional■care■worker.
Offers■low-cost,■independent■money■
management■services,■such■as■receiving■
income,■paying■bills■and■issuing■
purchasing■allowances■to■carers.
Court of Protection
(England and Wales)
0300■456■4600■
www.direct.gov.uk
For information about
lasting powers of attorney
Office of the Public Guardian
(England and Wales)
0300■456■0300■
www.direct.gov.uk/mentalcapacity
www.direct.gov.uk/lparegistration
Guide:■Making■a■lasting■power■of■
attorney
Guide:■Mental■Capacity■Act■(2005):■
Code■of■practice
Office of the Public Guardian
(Scotland)
01324■678■300■
www.publicguardian-scotland.gov.uk
Guide:■A■guide■to■making■a■power■■
of■attorney
Office of Care and Protection
(Northern Ireland)
028■9072■4733■
www.courtsni.gov.uk
Guide:■Dealing■with■the■financial■affairs■
of■the■mentally■ill
Guide:■Enduring■power■of■attorney
Planning■for■the■future
moneyadviceservice.org.uk 31
■
■
Credit union − to find one
Solicitor − to find one
Find your credit union
To■find■a■credit■union■in■England,■
Scotland■and■Wales
Law Society of England and Wales
Follow■the■link■to■find■a■Solicitor
www.findyourcreditunion.co.uk
Irish League of Credit Unions
To■find■a■credit■union■in■Northern■
Ireland
www.creditunion.ie
Ulster Federation of Credit Unions
To■find■a■credit■union■in■Northern■
Ireland
www.ufcu.co.uk
32
020■7742■1222■
www.lawsociety.org.uk
Law Society of Scotland
Follow■the■link■to■find■a■Solicitor
0131■226■7411■
www.lawscot.org.uk
Law Society of Northern Ireland
Follow■the■link■to■Solicitors■Directory
028■9023■1614■
www.lawsoc-ni.org
■
Financial services
Financial Services Authority (FSA)
To■check■a■firm■is■authorised
0845■606■1234■
www.fsa.gov.uk/fsaregister
Association of Private Client
Investment Managers and
Stockbrokers (APCIMS)
To■find■an■adviser■or■firm■that■will■manage■
your■investments■for■you■(discretionary■
management■investment■service).
020■7448■7100■
www.apcims.co.uk
Financial Ombudsman Service
For■complaints■resolution
0800■023■4567■or■0300■123■9123■
www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk
moneyadviceservice.org.uk 33
This guide is part of our
everyday money series.
Other titles in this series include:
■■ Borrowing■money
■■ Insurance
■■ Making■your■budget■work■for■you
All our guides are available from:
Our website
moneyadviceservice.org.uk
Money Advice Line
0300 500 5000
If■you■would■like■this■guide■■
in■Braille,■large■print■or■audio■
format,■please■call■us■on■■
0300■500■5000■or■Typetalk■■
on■1800■1■0300■500■5000.
Calls■should■cost■no■more■than■01■or■02■
UK-wide■calls,■and■are■included■in■inclusive■
mobile■and■landline■minutes.■To■help■us■
maintain■and■improve■our■service,■we■■
may■record■or■monitor■calls.
July■2011
©■Money■Advice■Service■July■2011■Ref:■VRSN0023a■
Produced■in■collaboration■with■the