Someone to manage your affairs
If you need help looking after your money, you can give someone you trust access to your accounts. Find out about the different options available and how to become or appoint a representative.
How could this help me?
Giving someone you trust access to your accounts is an important decision, but it could be essential for your well-being now and in the future.
You might appoint a representative for many reasons. For example, you may have a serious health condition or you might want to get things ready for when you can’t manage them yourself.
What do I need to do?
1) Choose access type
There are different types of access available depending on your situation.
- Power of Attorney – gives someone the legal authority to make decisions on your behalf.
- Court Order – to appoint someone to act on your behalf if you are unable.
2) Prepare documentation
To confirm the identity of the representative, they will need to show us the following documents:
- Power of Attorney or Court Order documents.
- Proof of identity and address.
Please note for Power of Attorney and Court Orders, we would need to see original documents or certified copies of the document.
If you registered a Lasting Power of Attorney after September 2019 and received a digital code, you can use this instead.
3) Let us know
You can register online
Register to become a representative
If the representatives are appointed to make decisions jointly, all representatives must register with us in order to act.
You can also register over the phone by calling 0800 085 9131. Lines are open 8am - 8pm, seven days a week.
Supporting you in exceptional circumstances
We appreciate that there will be times where you need to support a family member with their finances but do not have any Power of Attorney or third party access in place.
If you are in this position and need to talk to someone, please contact us on 0800 085 9131 and we may be able to help in the short term while you apply for longer term access.
What to do if your situation changes
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Please tell us if this happens. Call 0800 085 9131, lines are open 8am – 8pm, seven days a week.
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If you and the representative are married or in a civil partnership, their authority will come to an end when the marriage / civil partnership formally ends, unless the legal document says otherwise.
This applies to all types of Power of Attorney, but not to court appointments, such as Deputyship or Guardianship.
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If the representative passes away you would need to send us the death certificate or updated legal document stamped by the relevant Office of the Public Guardian; England and Wales, Scotland or Office of Care and Protection Northern Ireland.
Please call 0800 085 9131, lines are open 8am – 8pm, seven days a week.
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If the account holder passes away, the representative access would stop and the estate would be managed under our bereavement process.
Banking from home
If you or someone you know needs support with banking from home, we can help.
- Accessing your personal accounts is easy with Online Services and the Mobile App.
- Your security and protection matters. See some of the ways we keep your account details safe.
- Learn essential digital skills for life and make the most of being online with a free 1-2-1 session from the Digital Helpline.
Conversations about money
It’s understandable to feel uncomfortable talking about finances with your loved ones. To make it easier you should:
- Choose the right time and place.
- Be open and honest.
- Be willing to compromise and agree to disagree.
- Avoid using blaming language.
- Seek support if you need it.
If you would like further advice and guidance you can find free and impartial money advice at MoneyHelper.
Protect your wellbeing
Helping or caring for a loved one living with mental illness, or experiencing this yourself, can be challenging. We have support available to help you feel more in control.
If you are struggling with your mental health and would like to get some further information and support, Mental Health UK, NHS UK or Mental Health & Money Advice could help you.