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How to give someone else access to your account

Direct Payment is the normal way State Pensions, benefits, allowance or tax credit are paid into your account.

Most account providers will allow you to permanently or temporarily designate a helper to access your account on your behalf. You should contact your bank, building society or other account provider for instructions on how to do this.

A Direct Payment is not the same as direct payments from your local council. You can receive direct payments from your council if you are entitled to financial help for care services but want to make your own arrangements.

• The difference between a Direct Payment and direct payments (money, tax and benefits section)

• How benefits and pensions are paid (money, tax and benefits section)

• Opening and running a bank account (money, tax and benefits section)

If you cannot receive funds by Direct Payment

If you don’t have a bank account and are unable to be paid by Direct Payment, please contact the office that pays you.

• Help with collecting benefit payments Opens new window

Making arrangements for the future – Lasting Power of Attorney

You may want to set up your own Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). LPA allows you to appoint a friend, relative or professional to make decisions on your behalf if you’re no longer able to. These decisions relate to things like your property, money and welfare .

This option is suitable if you want to formalise the arrangement where your relative or trusted friend accesses your account as your agent.

You will still need to discuss the payment arrangements with your bank or building society.

More useful links

• Contact The Pension Service

Useful contacts

• Home contacts

• Care and community contacts

• Over 50s contacts