Activating your LPA Online pt2

Did you know that once a lasting power of attorney (LPA) is registered, donors and attorneys can use it online. This means they don’t need to show the paper document to companies and organisations, making it quicker and easier to manage.

There are many benefits to using the online service:

- It’s quicker and easier for attorneys to support the donor, as both can use the service

- No need for multiple copies

- Allows organisations instant access to the summary, resulting in less waiting

- All of the key information in one place

- Saves paper and postage

- A safe and secure way to give organisations access and track where the LPA has been shared

Once a lasting power of attorney (LPA) has been registered, donors and attorneys can create an account to give organisations access to view the details of that LPA online. This allows banks, healthcare providers and other selected organisations to see the details of the LPA, including information like the donor and attorney information, how decisions are made, and any instructions and preferences. 

The Use a lasting power of attorney (Use an LPA) service launched in July 2020 and so far, two million LPAs have been added into the service. We have continued to develop the service in response to feedback, enabling more LPAs to be registered and more details to be visible. Andy Tovey, Head of Modernising Lasting Powers of Attorney Business Readiness, said: 

“The Use an LPA service has been widely embraced by customers, with the majority finding it easy and efficient to use. Seeing how many people are using the service is reassuring and we are working with other organisations to ensure our customers are being supported throughout the process. At OPG, we are striving to continue improving our services to become fit for the future.” 

How it works  Once an LPA is registered, attorneys and donors are sent an activation key and an LPA reference number. If required, new activation keys can be requested through the Use an LPA service. These are explained in this video, codes and reference numbers for your LPA: In this video we explain the codes and reference numbers associated with your lasting power of attorney (LPA). We cover: 

• Reference numbers
• Activation keys
• Access codes

Video Player Key: Select the broken square to make the video screen full size. The inverted square at the bottom right reduces it back to its original size. Choose your volume setting, and the closed caption text is included. The screen icon with dashes adds or removes the closed captions (subtitles). To start the video, select the white triangle in the red box at the centre of the image; usually, tapping anywhere on the screen will work. The white progress line can be used to rewind and replay key messages.

To access the service, donors or attorneys need a GOV.UK One Login account – this is a new way of signing into government services, including Use an LPA. If you don't yet have an account, there is a step-by-step guide on how to set one up on the GOV.UK Use an LPA page. After a donor or attorney has created an account online, LPAs can be added to the account. A donor or attorney can then make a secure access code which they give to organisations to view an online summary of an LPA and keep track of which organisations have had access. 

Quicker, easier and more secure than sharing your paper LPA

There are many benefits to using the online service:

• it’s quicker and easier for attorneys to support the donor as both can use the service
• no need for multiple copies of an LPA
• allows organisations instant access to the LPA details so less waiting
• all of the key information is in one place
• saves paper and postage
• it's a safe and secure way to give organisations access and track where the LPA has been shared

Kamlesh Samji, a donor with experience of the Use an LPA service, talks about how it has benefitted him. He said: 

“The Use a Lasting Power of Attorney service is easy and straightforward to use and saves lots of time compared to previous methods of sharing LPA details. Managing which organisations have seen the LPA summary is a great feature and I am confident that my information and data is safe and secure. I would absolutely recommend this service.” 

 The next step is compiling a list of whom you need to notify. 

A health and welfare LPA should be given to doctors, healthcare professionals and anyone else involved in the social care of the donor, like social services. A property and financial affairs LPA should be provided to the following:

• Bank.
• Building Society.
• Pension provider.
• Mortgage company or landlord if the donor lives in a rented property
• Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) if the donor receives the UK state pension or claims other state benefits.
• HMRC.
• Insurance companies for household insurance and life insurance.
• Utility companies include water, gas, and electricity.
• The local authority for the council tax.

Remember that family members who are not attorneys may also want to view the LPA and its provisions, especially if they weren't aware of its existence.

FAQs & Tips.

Frequently Asked Questions. FAQS

I’ve completed my LPA documents, sent them in, and have received two letters with different reference numbers. Why is this? 

If you have created a health and welfare LPA and a property and finance LPA you will have been sent a separate reference number for each one. The reference numbers for each LPA will be different. Both forms have lots of similar information and it may seem like a duplication, so we advise you check which reference number is for which LPA.  

I have just received my LPA registration letter, what does my activation key mean?  

Your activation key is a one-time code for adding a summary of your LPA to your online account that you can then share with third parties by creating access codes to give them. This is entirely optional. If you wish to set this up, please visit www.gov.uk/use-lpa. Your key will expire after 12 months but you can request a replacement on the website.  

How do I get a new activation key?   

Log into ‘Use an LPA’ www.gov.uk/use-lpa and follow the steps to add your LPA. Follow the on-screen instructions, selecting “No, I need to request a new key.” We will then send you a letter with your new activation key once we have processed your request. 

 My address has changed. Can I still request a new activation key?   

You will need to get in touch to let us know a change of name or address. We will need details of your LPA such as a reference number, name of the donor and date of birth so that we can find your document on the system and update as needed.  Do not change the LPA itself as this will invalidate it. The document remains valid with the previous name and address details showing. Once we have confirmed this has been done, you will be able to request a new activation key. Log in to ‘Use an LPA’ www.gov.uk/use-lpa and follow the steps to add your LPA. Follow the on-screen instructions, selecting “No, I need to request a new key.” We will then send you a letter with your new activation key once we have processed your request.  

I’ve been asked to provide a V-Code or Access code. How do I do this? 

Once your LPA has been added to your online account, you will see an option that allows you to give an organisation access. Follow the instructions on screen, and you will be able to generate access codes starting with a V. Each code is valid for 30 days.  

I have been given an access code starting with a V. How do I view the LPA? 

Access codes are specific to each organisation or person the donor chooses to share their LPA details with. Each access code lasts 30 days. To view the LPA, go to www.gov.uk/view-lasting-power-of-attorney. You’ll then be prompted to enter the donor's last name and input the access code you received.   

 I need a copy of my LPA. How do I get one?  

You or your attorney can use a certified copy to register your LPA if you do not have the original form. A solicitor or notary can also certify copies of the LPA - they charge a fee for this. Visit https://www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney/certify for more information on how to certify a copy of a lasting power of attorney.  

I have lost my LPA and need a new copy? 

Office copies are available in exceptional circumstances only; they cost £35 for an LPA and £25 for an Enduring Lasting Power of Attorney (EPA).   You can email your request to opg_office_copy@publicguardian.gov.uk. Please include the reason, the donor’s full name and date of birth, the reference number (if known), your name, your role on the LPA or EPA, and a telephone number so we can call to take a payment.  Alternatively, you can call the office copies team on 0300 456 0300, selecting option 2, followed by option 1 again, followed by option 3. The team is available from Monday to Friday between 9.00am and 3.30pm (Mon-Fri 09:00-15:30). Please be aware the team are closed on Wednesdays from 9.00am until 10.00am. 

When can my attorneys act for me? 

For a health and welfare LPA, your attorney can only act for you once you’ve lost the mental capacity to make your own decisions.  For a property and financial affairs LPA, with your permission, as stated in the document, your attorney can step in and help you with decision-making before you lose mental capacity. For this to happen, you will need to select this as an option when you make the LPA. When your attorneys act on your behalf, they’re bound by the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.  

Are there any differences for Business Bank Accounts? 

Often yes. However, it is still easy. Call your bank first and ask for guidance on their process. I did mine with Santander Business Banking. You do not need an LPA for the Business Banking Accounts; you simply add another signatory or a new Director. Download a form to change mandate details. Complete the details of the new signatory and provide a photo ID. You can post this to Santander, though I chose to hand it to my nearest branch, and they took a scanned copy of the ID and forwarded the form on my behalf.

Any tips for registering LPAs for personal banking? 

Yes, though, phone for guidance and each bank will guide you through the process. I registered with Halifax Bank. However, it is still easy. Rather than the Donor (owner of LPA) adding someone, consider it the Attorney applying to be added. Have the activation code ready from 

Use a lasting power of attorney - GOV.UK  Select "Give an organisation Access". 

You will be able to name the organisation. This is only for your personal reference.

Please provide legible, scanned copies of the attorney's photo ID and, if possible, proof of address dated within the last three months.

An attorney must speak on the phone with the bank via a call. After a few questions, the bank will send a confirmation email to the attorney. The attorney then replies to the email and attaches the proof of ID. The bank typically processes the application within 10 working days.

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