Overview
When someone loses mental capacity and has not put a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place, families may need to apply for a Court of Protection Deputyship to manage that person’s financial affairs. This process can feel overwhelming, especially when you are already dealing with emotional and practical pressures.
The Staffordshire County Council Client Affairs Support Service helps families understand their options and offers practical support with the deputyship or Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) appointeeship process.
What we do
A member of the Client Affairs Support Service will contact you to talk through:
- Whether deputyship is the right option
- What the process involves
- What decisions you may need to make
We support people who have been assessed as lacking capacity under:
- The Mental Capacity Act 2005
- Section 1 of the Mental Health Act 1983
Applying for a deputyship order
If deputyship is needed, we can prepare and submit the full application to the Court of Protection on your behalf.
Cost of the full application service: £944
This amount is taken from the person’s capital once their finances can be accessed.
Court application fee: £421
This is an upfront cost you will need to provide before the application can be submitted.
It can be reimbursed from the person’s capital once accessible.
Support to become a DWP Appointee
If deputyship is not required, or while it is being arranged, we can guide you through becoming a DWP appointee. This allows you to manage the person’s benefits and spend them in their best interests.
Costs
Full deputyship application service – £944 (taken from the person’s capital once accessed)
Court application fee – £421 (payable upfront; reimbursable from the person’s capital)
What happens next
Once you contact us:
- We will discuss the person’s situation and the best route to manage their finances.
- If deputyship is needed, we will prepare the application forms and tell you what information is required.
- You will need to provide the £421 court fee before submission.
- We will submit the application to the Court of Protection and keep you updated.
- When the order is granted, fees will be taken from the person’s capital.
- If appointeeship is more suitable, we will guide you through that process instead.
Contact us
If you need advice about:
• Court of Protection deputyship
• Lasting Power of Attorney
• Becoming a DWP appointee
You can contact the Client Affairs Support Service:
Email: cass@staffordshire.gov.uk
Telephone: 01785 854376
Useful links
Government guidance:
Become an appointee for someone claiming benefits (GOV.UK): https://www.gov.uk/become-appointee
Deputies: make decisions for someone who lacks capacity (GOV.UK): https://www.gov.uk/become-deputy
Benefit helplines:
Universal Credit: 0800 328 5644
New Style ESA: 0800 055 6688
PIP, DLA & Attendance Allowance: 0800 121 4433
Pension Service & Pension Credit: 0800 731 0469