Power of attorney
If you're looking to support someone with managing their accounts, or looking to appoint someone to help you manage your own, we're here to help. Find out about the different options available and how to become or appoint a representative.
Why might someone need support with managing their accounts?
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 your account yourself.
What would I be able to do as a representative?
Depending on the type of access in place, a representative with access to accounts could:
- Use the accounts in the same way as the account holder.
- Access the accounts by phone.
- Use a card on the accounts.
- Deal with the account holder's home insurance policy.
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 behalf of the account holder.
- Court Order – to appoint someone to act on behalf of the account holder, if they 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 us.
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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If the account holder passes away, the power of attorney or representative access would stop and the estate would be managed under our bereavement process.
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If the attorney or representative passes away, we must be notified. Please call 0800 085 9131, lines are open 8am – 8pm, seven days a week.
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 Northern Ireland.
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If the account holder and the representative are married or in a civil partnership, the representative’s 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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You’ll need to tell us if this happens. Please call 0800 085 9131, lines are open 8am – 8pm, seven days a week.
Further support
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.