OPG Family Care Payments Guidance for Court of Protection Deputies
Summary
The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) has published guidance (SD14) on family care payments, also known as gratuitous care payments. This guidance sets out the legal framework and factors Court of Protection deputies should consider when deciding on the level of such payments. The guidance applies to England and Wales and was updated in March/April 2026.
What changed
The Office of the Public Guardian has issued guidance on family care payments (gratuitous care payments) for Court of Protection deputies in England and Wales. The guidance, document SD14, sets out the legal framework and the Public Guardian's view on how deputies should approach family care payments, including factors for determining appropriate payment levels.
Court of Protection deputies who manage finances for individuals lacking mental capacity should familiarise themselves with this guidance when considering or making family care payments. The guidance provides a framework for balancing the interests of the protected person with fair compensation for family carers.
What to do next
- Court of Protection deputies should review the guidance when making decisions about family care payments
- Seek professional advice when uncertain about applying the guidance to specific cases
Archived snapshot
Apr 16, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Guidance
OPG’s approach to family care payments
The Office of the Public Guardian's approach to family care payments, also known as gratuitous care payments.
From: Office of the Public Guardian Published 7 March 2025 Last updated 8 April 2026
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Applies to England and Wales
Documents
OPG’s approach to family care payments (web version)
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OPG’s approach to family care payments
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Details
This guidance sets out the legal framework and the Public Guardian’s view of how Court of Protection deputies should approach family care payments, including factors for them to consider when deciding on the level of such payments.
Updates to this page
Published 7 March 2025 Last updated 8 April 2026 show all updates
1.
8 April 2026
SD14 updated March/April 2026
2.
7 March 2025
Added translation
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