Appointeeship, deputyship and power of attorney: what is the difference?
A plain-English comparison of three different ways one person may help with benefits, finances or decisions for somebody else.
Last reviewed: 6 July 2026 · UK guidance
In brief
Appointeeship, deputyship and power of attorney are not interchangeable. A benefits appointee deals with specified benefit claims and payments. An attorney is chosen by a person who has the relevant capacity. A deputy is appointed by a court after capacity for particular decisions has been lost.
Use the narrowest lawful arrangement that matches the decision. Having access to a bank card, being next of kin or providing care does not automatically give authority. Capacity must be considered for the specific decision and support should be offered to help the person decide for themselves.
Appointeeship: benefits only
The relevant benefits authority may appoint an individual or organisation to make claims, report changes and manage benefit payments for someone who cannot do so. It does not automatically permit decisions about savings, property, contracts, health care or all bank accounts.
Power of attorney: chosen in advance
A lasting power of attorney in England and Wales is made while the donor can understand and choose the arrangement. Property-and-financial and health-and-welfare powers are separate, and registration is required before use. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different instruments and processes.
Deputyship: court-appointed authority
Where a person lacks capacity and no suitable power exists, the Court of Protection in England and Wales may appoint a deputy for specified decisions. Applications, supervision, reporting, insurance and costs can be substantial. Health-and-welfare deputyships are less routine than financial ones.
Keep money and decisions accountable
The representative must act within the authority, keep the person’s funds separate, record decisions and avoid conflicts. They should involve the person as far as possible and retain receipts, statements and evidence of best-interests reasoning.
Get advice when the boundary is unclear
Complex assets, family disagreement, property sales, gifts, trusts or cross-border arrangements need specialist legal advice. Benefit appointees should not stretch their role into powers they do not have.
Ask which authority is actually needed
Use with a solicitor, benefits authority or advice service.
[Name] needs help with [benefit administration, finances, property, health or care decisions]. They can currently understand and decide [what they can do] but struggle with [specific decisions]. Please explain whether supported decision-making, appointeeship, a power of attorney or court deputyship is appropriate, the limits of that route, costs and the records we must keep.
A practical checklist
- Identify the exact decisions that need help.
- Assess capacity for each decision, not by diagnosis.
- Do not assume next of kin has legal authority.
- Keep funds, records and responsibilities clearly separated.
Check the current information
These are the most relevant official or specialist places to confirm live rules, availability and application details.
gov.uk
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