Making a benefit claim for another person as their representative

[Pat Winstanley]

I've ended up dealing with claims for a friend (IB and WTC) because she
currently isn't well enough to do so for herself (clinical depression)
and she is also shifting addresses at the moment because of moving home
so needs a temporarily at least stable 'accommodation address for
contact' for the time being (my address though she isn't living here).

Could someone give a general idea or pro-forma of what needs to be in a
letter of authorisation for the pair of us to sign and send in with the
claims (such that the correspondence about the benefit claims will
legally come to/through me and I will deal with what I can and involve
her only where I can't)?

A general skeleton letter of authorisation including the specific legal
language required would be most appreciated.

Any possible pitfalls I should be aware of (other than the obvious that
I would be liable if I knowingly perpetrated a fraud [conspiracy etc])?

Thanks peeps!

 

[Tone]

I've ended up dealing with claims for a friend (IB and WTC) because she
currently isn't well enough to do so for herself (clinical depression)
and she is also shifting addresses at the moment because of moving home
so needs a temporarily at least stable 'accommodation address for
contact' for the time being (my address though she isn't living here).

Could someone give a general idea or pro-forma of what needs to be in a
letter of authorisation for the pair of us to sign and send in with the
claims (such that the correspondence about the benefit claims will
legally come to/through me and I will deal with what I can and involve
her only where I can't)?

A general skeleton letter of authorisation including the specific legal
language required would be most appreciated.

Any possible pitfalls I should be aware of (other than the obvious that
I would be liable if I knowingly perpetrated a fraud [conspiracy etc])?

Thanks peeps!

I would suggest that for legal reasons you contacted the CAB as they
can arrange a visit to the person

 

[Islander]

I've ended up dealing with claims for a friend (IB and WTC) because she
currently isn't well enough to do so for herself (clinical depression)
and she is also shifting addresses at the moment because of moving home
so needs a temporarily at least stable 'accommodation address for
contact' for the time being (my address though she isn't living here).

Could someone give a general idea or pro-forma of what needs to be in a
letter of authorisation for the pair of us to sign and send in with the
claims (such that the correspondence about the benefit claims will
legally come to/through me and I will deal with what I can and involve
her only where I can't)?

A general skeleton letter of authorisation including the specific legal
language required would be most appreciated.

Any possible pitfalls I should be aware of (other than the obvious that
I would be liable if I knowingly perpetrated a fraud [conspiracy etc])?

Thanks peeps!

In my case (due to similar circumstances) everything to do with me is
addressed to my wife, every enquiry goes to my wife, every letter and
payment book is in my wifes name and it was done quite simply by ringing up
the DLA and DWP and anyone else involved and asking them to put my wifes
name on everything. A few questions and a form to fill in, and it was done!
I understand it MAY be different with another person (not a family member)
but I would suggest the first thing is to contact the departments directly
and ask their advice. I was suprised at just how easy this was.. and the
benefits of not sweating and panicking whenever a brown envelope arrived
addressed to me, is incredible.
Dave

 

[smicker]

I've ended up dealing with claims for a friend (IB and WTC) because she
currently isn't well enough to do so for herself (clinical depression)
and she is also shifting addresses at the moment because of moving home
so needs a temporarily at least stable 'accommodation address for
contact' for the time being (my address though she isn't living here).

Could someone give a general idea or pro-forma of what needs to be in a
letter of authorisation for the pair of us to sign and send in with the
claims (such that the correspondence about the benefit claims will
legally come to/through me and I will deal with what I can and involve
her only where I can't)?

A general skeleton letter of authorisation including the specific legal
language required would be most appreciated.

Any possible pitfalls I should be aware of (other than the obvious that
I would be liable if I knowingly perpetrated a fraud [conspiracy etc])?

Thanks peeps!

You should cross post this to uk.legal Pat to be on the safe side
IMO.
smicker

 

[Troll]

I've ended up dealing with claims for a friend (IB and WTC) because she
currently isn't well enough to do so for herself (clinical depression)
and she is also shifting addresses at the moment because of moving home
so needs a temporarily at least stable 'accommodation address for
contact' for the time being (my address though she isn't living here).

Could someone give a general idea or pro-forma of what needs to be in a
letter of authorisation for the pair of us to sign and send in with the
claims (such that the correspondence about the benefit claims will
legally come to/through me and I will deal with what I can and involve
her only where I can't)?

A general skeleton letter of authorisation including the specific legal
language required would be most appreciated.

Any possible pitfalls I should be aware of (other than the obvious that
I would be liable if I knowingly perpetrated a fraud [conspiracy etc])?

You can do that, and AFIK there's no fixed format, the claimant just has
to make their intentions clear and sign the letter. Go for plain
English, don't try to sound like an incompetent lawyer if you aren't
one.
<pedant> Oh, and don't call a form "a pro-forma" </pedant>
You are responsible for taking reasonable steps to make sure the
information you provide is complete and accurate, but there's no call
for paranoia.

You are helping the BA here though they may not realise it, because
dealing with people who CBA to make their claims is a PITA!