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23 March, 2023

Power of Attorney

23 March, 2023

Why it is important, what is it, how can you get one? And more..

You may wonder what is a Power of Attorney? That would be a good starting point. A Power of Attorney is a written authorization to act on the behalf of another’s matters. This could be legal matters, financial matters or private affairs to name a few examples.

Arranging a power of attorney in the UK involves the following steps:

  • Choose an attorney:Decide on the person or people you want to appoint as your attorney. They should be someone you trust and who understands your wishes and values.
  • Decide on the type of power of attorney:In the UK, there are two types of power of attorney: a. Property and Financial Affairs: This gives your attorney the authority to manage your financial affairs, such as paying bills and managing your bank accounts. b. Health and Welfare: This gives your attorney the authority to make decisions about your health and welfare, such as where you live and what medical treatment you receive.
  • Complete the relevant forms:You can download the relevant forms from the UK government website or you can get them from a solicitor. The forms are different for each type of power of attorney.
  • Register the power of attorney:You need to register the power of attorney with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) before it can be used. There is a fee for registering.
  • Notify relevant parties:Notify relevant parties, such as your bank or healthcare providers, that you have appointed an attorney.
  • Review regularly:It is important to review your power of attorney regularly to ensure that it still reflects your wishes and that your attorney is still the right person for the job.
  • It is recommended that you seek advice when arranging a power of attorney to ensure that you understand the legal implications and that everything is done correctly.

How do I know what my state pension will look like? 

The first step is to check your state pension forecast. You can do this by visiting the government website at: https://www.gov.uk/check-state-pension

If you have gaps in your National Insurance record, then your forecast will look smaller. You need a 35-year track record to qualify for the full state pension, which for many people will exceed £10,000 per year in the spring. 

You can check your National Insurance record here: https://www.gov.uk/check-national-insurance-record. In order to do so, you will need a Government Gateway user ID and password. 

You can also request a printed National Insurance statement online, by post if you live abroad or by phone. The government guide to calling the helpline is here: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/national-insurance-enquiries-for-employees-and-individuals 

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