Could you be eligible for a refund on a Lasting Power of Attorney?

If you have taken out a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in the past five years, you might be eligible for a Lasting Power of Attorney fee refund.

Between 2013 and 2017 almost two million people were overcharged by the Office of the Public Guardian and claimants can expect to receive a refund of up to £54, with any accrued interested since the registration was made.

An LPA is an important document that gives a loved one the power to make decisions on your behalf when you can no longer do so. There are two types of LPA: a health and welfare LPA, and a property and financial affairs LPA.

So far, only 200,000 of the 1.8 million people owed have claimed their refund, leaving £77m still owed to customers. The exact amount will depend on when the registration was made, and claims must be made by 1st February 2021.

Recent research from SFE (Solicitors for the Elderly) found that only 7% of people had LPAs in place across the UK, meaning that millions of people are currently unprepared for later life. SFE urges anyone planning for their future to consider setting up an LPA and seek advice from a specialist lawyer.

SFE is an independent, national organisation of over 1,600 lawyers, such as solicitors, barristers, and chartered legal executives, who provide specialist legal advice for older and vulnerable people, their families and carers.

To apply for a refund visit: http://gov.uk/power-of-attorney-refund.

It takes about ten minutes to claim. You’ll need the donor’s bank details and a copy of the LPA, if you have it. If you need help or more information about making a claim, there’s a Refunds Helpline you can contact, either via telephone on 0300 456 0300 or email poarefunds@justice.gsi.gov.uk.”

For expert advice on LPAs, Wills and Probate, Trust and Estates, contact our Wills and Probate teams in Halifax, Brighouse or Huddersfield.