This guide helps with
- Understand why authority is needed to act for someone else
- Learn what counts as proper authorisation
- Take the right first steps to be added to an account
- Know what you can and can't do without authority
- Find out who to contact to set this up
4 min read
What's happening
It is very common to help a parent, partner or someone you care for with their account. Because the account holds personal information, there is a sensible process to follow so that only people with permission can access it. This protects the account holder and you.
The good news is that setting up authority is straightforward, and once it is in place, helping becomes much easier.
What authority means
To discuss or manage someone else's account, you generally need their permission on record — this is often called being an authorised representative. With it, we can speak to you and you can act on their behalf. Without it, privacy rules limit what can be shared, even with close family.
If you hold a formal legal authority, such as a power of attorney, that can also allow you to act for the person.
Step by step
- Talk to the account holder, if you can, so they know you are helping.
- Contact us through the Help Centre to ask how to be added as an authorised representative.
- Be ready to provide the account holder's consent, or details of any formal authority such as a power of attorney.
- Once authority is recorded, we can discuss the account with you and help with what you need.
If the person can't give consent
Sometimes the account holder is unwell or otherwise unable to give consent directly. If you hold a legal authority to act for them, let us know and we will explain what we need to see. If you are unsure of your standing, our team can talk you through the options sensitively.
For broader information on your rights and the right process, the Merion website and Help Centre have further guidance.
Good to know
- You generally need recorded permission to act for someone else's account.
- Being an authorised representative lets us deal with you directly.
- A formal authority like a power of attorney can also apply.
- Contact the Help Centre to set this up properly.
FAQ
Why can't I just deal with my parent's account for them?
Privacy rules mean we can only share account details with people who have permission. Being added as an authorised representative is quick and lets us help you fully.
What if I have power of attorney?
That can allow you to act on the person's behalf. Let us know through the Help Centre and we will explain what documentation we need to see.
Can I pay someone else's account without all this?
Yes. Anyone can make a payment using the reference number on the letter. Authority is only needed to discuss or manage the account details.
Still stuck? Our team is happy to help you sort it out.