It’s taking us longer than usual to process applications for lasting powers of attorney (LPAs). While we understand this can be frustrating, we’re working hard to continue to deliver our services. In the meantime, we’ve brought together some useful online tools to help you make sure you get your application right first time, avoiding further delays if corrections are required.
We believe people should register their LPAs in advance of needing it, so don’t delay in sending in your LPA application if it is completed. Remember it won’t come into effect until you lose mental capacity, or until you give permission to your attorney to make decisions on your behalf (only for financial LPAs).
Managing delays
When the pandemic began in March 2020, most staff were encouraged to work from home. We reduced the number of staff in the office processing LPA applications to adhere to social distancing.
Since then, we’ve implemented some new online tools and have been continuing to process applications as quickly as possible.
Now government restrictions for England and Wales have eased, we’re seeing an increase in LPA applications.
While we’re working to process applications as quickly as possible, please allow up to 20 weeks from receipt of your LPA for applications to be registered.
Only get in touch with us to check on the progress of your application if you’ve not heard from us after this time frame.
Some useful tools for filling out your LPA and tracking your application
There are many useful tools online which you can use to help make sure you get your application right first time, avoiding further delays if corrections are required.
When making your application using our online LPA service there is step-by-step guidance. The online service can also highlight any potential issues with your LPA application before printing, signing and sending it in to be registered.
You can then track the application using our track my LPA system. If you’ve used the online tool, you’ll be able to access this through your account.
You can pay using your bank card over the phone.
You can also check out our previous blog post on common errors seen in applications or you can listen to our podcast on LPA top tips.
More information on how to create an LPA during COVID-19 can be found on the creating an LPA while social distancing podcast.