Appointee and bank account

thishillycity

19 year old daughter has her UC paid to her bank account every 2 weeks.
Her PIP goes into my bank, to a separate account. From that, her phone bill, subscriptions and all other expenses are paid. Am I correct to have the PIP paid into my bank account or should it go into hers? I am the appointee for both UC and PIP.
She's just been in trouble for selling a stolen item. Her bank account could be investigated and I'm now worried I will be accused of controlling her money 

elsien

It’s fine for an appointee to have money paid into a bank account that isn’t the person’s. It is sensible to have it paid into separate account from your own money.

And yes, you are controlling her money in her best interests. That is the purpose of an appointee which is in place because the person lacks capacity to manage their benefits themselves. 

Because if all the money goes her their own  bank account which is accessible  for her to spend, then why would she need an appointee in the first place?

thishillycity

Because an appointee is to manage the DWP forms and updates, not manage the money. That's my worry 

elsien

An appointee can be to  manage the money where the person is not able to do so themselves. That is precisely how paid appointees commissioned by the local authority work.
So does your daughter have capacity over her money aside from the form filling side of things. If no, carry on as you are. 

If yes is she happy for you to manage that money for her?

poppy12345

thishillycity said:

Because an appointee is to manage the DWP forms and updates, not manage the money. That's my worry 

What makes you think that being an appointee doesn't include managing their money? It does.  See link. https://www.gov.uk/become-appointee-for-someone-claiming-benefits

born_again

thishillycity said:

Because an appointee is to manage the DWP forms and updates, not manage the money. That's my worry 

When I applied to be appointee for the wife, as I fill in pip forms etc. Money had to go to my account. That is how it works. You can then transfer funds as you see fit.