Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what support is provided to financial deputies for Support Mortgage Interest SMI claimants who lack the capacity to apply for SMI as a loan.

Financial Deputies are appointed by the Court of Protection or the Office of the Public Guardian in Scotland to represent claimants who lack capacity to make decisions on SMI loans. These Financial Deputies are provided with an introductory letter and booklet on SMI loans and will have an informed discussion on the phone with Serco where any questions can be answered. Where a Financial Deputy elects to accept an SMI loan on the claimant’s behalf, they will be sent a loan agreement and charge form to sign to accept the loan.