Is an LPA worth it if you have little money?
Guidance from Estate Advisory Group
Yes — usually more so. Frozen accounts are a bigger problem when there is no cushion.
What goes wrong without one
- A frozen current account means the rent and energy bills stop being paid within weeks.
- Benefits can be suspended until an appointee is arranged.
- A deputyship application costs far more than an LPA, and takes months. See what happens without an LPA.
- Family end up paying out of their own pockets with no way to be reimbursed.
Keeping the cost down
The OPG fee is £92 per LPA, but it is halved on a low income and waived entirely on certain means-tested benefits — see fee exemption and remission. Our fee is £49 for one LPA or £79 for both, and the free suitability check tells you before you pay anything whether we are the right route.
Which one to make first
Usually the financial one
Property and financial affairs is what banks, landlords and the DWP need. Health and welfare matters most where care decisions are likely. See the difference between the two types.
Common questions
Is there a free way to do this?
Yes — GOV.UK's own service is free apart from the OPG fee. See free LPA options.
Does an LPA affect my benefits?
No. Making one has no effect on entitlement.
Read next
Ready to make yours?
Answer five quick questions to see whether our service suits you. No account and no payment needed.
This is general information about how Lasting Powers of Attorney work in England and Wales. It is not legal advice about your situation. What we do and do not do.
Published by Estate Advisory Group