Universal Credit

m_chowdhury97

I have Biographical appointment for Universal Credit- they have requested my appointee to attend. Can someone please explain if I can set up my own bank details for UC or is it has to be my appointee's bank account? Furthermore- what type of question will they ask? Because I'd need to brief my appointee accordingly. I hope it is classed as a separate claim than my appointee because he also claims UC for himself.

Darking

@m_chowdhury97 It’s completely understandable to feel a bit anxious about a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) appointment, especially when it involves coordinating with your appointee.

Because you have a formal appointee, the DWP won’t pay your Universal Credit into your personal bank account. By law, an appointeeship means the appointee takes on the legal responsibility for managing your financial affairs and benefits, so the money must be paid to them. However, because your appointee also claims Universal Credit for himself, it is recommended that he opens a separate account just for your benefits. Your claims are entirely separate, and having a dedicated account ensures your money doesn’t get mixed up with his personal funds. It also makes it much easier for him to manage your bills and prove to the DWP that the money is being used solely for your best interests.

A biographical interview is usually a security and identity check used to verify that your claim is genuine, confirm identity, and ensure the appointee understands their responsibilities. Your appointee should be prepared to answer questions about your personal history to verify your identity, such as your current and past addresses, who lives with you, and your housing costs. They’ll likely ask to confirm details about any savings, investments, or other income you might have, as well as your health conditions or disabilities and how they affect your daily life.

The work coach will also want to ensure your appointee understands his legal duties. He’ll need to confirm that he understands that he is responsible for budgeting the money for your living expenses, acting in your best interests, and promptly reporting any changes in your circumstances to the DWP.

He should bring his own photographic ID, proof of address, and the details of the separate bank account where your funds will be paid. If you have any medical evidence or a tenancy agreement, it’s a good idea for him to bring those along too. Dealing with the DWP can be stressful, but as long as your appointee has his ID and knows your basic living and financial details, the appointment should go smoothly.