COP Deputyship applications.

[Sidge]

DD is 19 soon and finishing college so I’ve started an application for CoP Deputyship. (She lacks capacity). They’re processing the personal welfare one but I had the property and financial affairs part returned as I need to supply evidence of her bank accounts, benefit entitlements etc and resubmit all the forms again - argh!

I’m now wondering if I actually need the P&A deputyship - DD has no property, no income apart from her PIP, I plan to make a UC application on her behalf but I am her DWP appointee which I think might suffice.

Before I do it, does anyone in a similar situation have any advice please? Thanks!

If DD’s only income is benefits and there’s no other assets being appointee will suffice.

BTW if DD has an EHCP it can remain in place until 25 or 26 in some circumstances.

@JustKeepBuilding thank you so much.

She does have an EHCP but apparently they’re going to end it and she’s transferred to Adult Care services who (hopefully) will fund the programme she’ll be doing.

It’s a minefield isn’t it?!

You should appeal the LA’s proposal to cease DD’s EHCP. LAs try this all the time, but you can force them to continue to maintain it. DD will receive more support if it is maintained compared to if it isn’t. If you appeal the LA have to maintain it whilst you go through the process.

I was told that as her programme is to be funded by adult care rather than education, she doesn’t need her EHCP to continue. She’s had an adult care assessment which has agreed a plan. Does that sound about right?

The LA are fobbing you off. DD can have a package funded by adult social care in addition to the educational provision (anything that educates or trains, doesn’t have to be what’s considered traditional education) provided via section F of the EHCP.

Provision via education via an EHCP is always preferable to provision funded by adult social care as section F of the EHCP can a) provide so much more, b) is never subject to financial assessment, and c) is legally enforceable far more easily than social care provision.

Personally I would advise appealing the LA ceasing to maintain.

Thanks so much. I will call them.

My husband and I just have health and welfare deputyship for my daughter, her only income is benefits so being her DWP deputy is sufficient.