Appointeeship

If you are unable to act for yourself, due to age, illness, disability or other reasons, you or someone acting on your behalf, can nominate (appoint) someone to deal with your benefit claims. This person is called ‘the appointee.’

A ‘dosh’ Appointee carries out all duties involved in managing your benefit claim. These include:

• Filling out your claim and renewal forms for the Department of Work and Pensions,
• Collecting and providing proof of income, savings and rent or mortgage being paid.

A ‘dosh’ Appointee is legally responsible to inform the Department of Work and Pensions of any changes in your circumstances. They can be told this by you, your circle of support, or your Financial Advocate. For example, if you:

• change your address,
• change your name,
• get married,
• have a child leaving school,
• go into or come out of hospital, including coming out of hospital on leave,
• are able to manage your own finances,
• intend to be away from Great Britain for a long period of time,
• have any other changes in your life that could affect your right to benefits being claimed.

A ‘dosh’ Appointee will work with you, your circle of support or your Financial Advocate to make sure all the Welfare Benefits you are entitled to are claimed.

A ‘dosh’ Appointee can claim benefits for you, and has all the same legal responsibilities as you, being able to claim benefits for yourself.

If you need a Court Appointed Deputy to manage your finances, ‘dosh’ can help.

We will support you, your circle of support or carers as your Legal Deputy in a person-centred approach, working to make sure the best decisions are made with your finances.

For more information about this, contact Mae Edwards, Senior Financial Advocate for ‘dosh’ on mae.edwards@dosh.org, or 0300 303 1288.