Types
Which lasting power of attorney do I need?
Reviewed 3 November 2026 · England and Wales
In short
There are two types of lasting power of attorney. A property and financial affairs LPA covers money, bank accounts, bills and property. A health and welfare LPA covers care, medical treatment and where you live. They are separate documents, and most people set up both so that every decision is covered if they lose capacity.
Choosing is simple once you know what each LPA covers and when it can be used. This guide lays the two side by side.
Property and financial affairs LPA
This LPA lets your attorneys deal with money and property: operating bank accounts, paying bills, collecting pension and benefits, managing investments, and buying or selling property.
It can be used as soon as it is registered if you give permission, which is useful if you want help with finances before you lose capacity, for example during a long illness or if you spend time abroad. You can also restrict it to only start once you lose capacity.
Health and welfare LPA
This LPA lets your attorneys make decisions about your care and treatment: day-to-day routine, where you live, the care you receive, and medical treatment. You can also give or withhold permission for your attorneys to make decisions about life-sustaining treatment.
Unlike the financial LPA, a health and welfare LPA can only be used once you have lost the capacity to make the decision yourself.
Do you need one or both?
Most people set up both, so that whatever happens, someone they trust can act on both their finances and their care. They are separate LPAs with separate £92 registration fees, and you can appoint different attorneys for each.
If you only make one, think about which gap would hurt most. Without a financial LPA your bills and accounts could freeze; without a health and welfare LPA, decisions about your care could be made without your chosen person's voice.
At a glance
| Property & financial affairs | Health & welfare | |
|---|---|---|
| Official form | LP1F | LP1H |
| Covers | Money, bills, pensions, property | Care, treatment, where you live |
| Can be used while you still have capacity | Yes, if you allow it | No |
| Life-sustaining treatment | Not covered | Only if you give permission |
| OPG registration fee | £92 | £92 |
Frequently asked questions
Can I have different attorneys for each LPA?
Yes. The two LPAs are separate documents, so you can appoint the same people for both, or choose different attorneys for your finances and your health and welfare.
Which LPA should I make first?
If you can only do one now, most people start with property and financial affairs, because frozen accounts cause immediate problems. Ideally, set up both so every decision is covered.
Is a health and welfare LPA worth it?
Yes. Without it, decisions about your care and treatment could be made by professionals applying best interests, without your chosen attorney having authority to decide. The LPA gives your trusted person a legal voice.
Related resources
What is a lasting power of attorney?
A plain-English guide to lasting power of attorney in England and Wales: the two types, how an LPA works, who is involved and how to set one up.
What is the difference between a will and an LPA?
A will and a lasting power of attorney do completely different jobs. The difference between a will and an LPA, and why most people need both.
How much does a lasting power of attorney cost?
What a lasting power of attorney costs in England and Wales: the £92 OPG registration fee, fee reductions, and what solicitors and services charge.
How to set up a lasting power of attorney
A step-by-step guide to making and registering a lasting power of attorney in England and Wales, from choosing attorneys to signing and OPG registration.
Power of attorney for an elderly parent
How to help a parent set up their LPA while they still have capacity.
Power of attorney after a dementia diagnosis
You can still make an LPA after a dementia diagnosis, as long as capacity remains.
LPASafe covers England and Wales only. Scotland and Northern Ireland use different systems. We are not a law firm and do not give legal advice. The LP1F and LP1H forms are available free on gov.uk.
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