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I Have POA,
Now What?
The Complete Action Checklist
Getting Power of Attorney is just the first step. This checklist walks you through everything you need to do to actually use it, from notifying banks to setting up account access.
Important Reminder
Power of Attorney only works while your parent is alive and (for financial POA) while you can prove incapacity if the POA is "springing." After death, the executor of the estate takes over.
ParentCareGuide.com
Understanding Your POA Powers
Types of POA You May Have
Financial/General Power of Attorney
Manage bank accounts, pay bills, handle investments, sell property
Healthcare Power of Attorney
Make medical decisions when they can't communicate their wishes
Durable POA
Remains in effect if they become incapacitated
Springing POA
Only takes effect when a specific event occurs (usually incapacity)
⚠️ Know Before You Act
Read your POA document carefully. Some POAs have limitations on what you can do. If it's a "springing" POA, you may need a doctor's letter confirming incapacity before you can act. Keep multiple certified copies, many institutions require originals.
Your POA Document Details
Type of Financial POA:
Date Signed:
Notarized? Witnessed?
Any Limitations or Restrictions:
Where Original is Stored:
Bank Accounts & Financial Institutions
Each bank has its own process for recognizing POA. Start with the main accounts.
What Banks Typically Require
- Original or certified copy of POA document
- Your valid ID (driver's license, passport)
- Parent may need to be present (if still capable)
- Bank's own POA form (many require their own paperwork)
- Recent certification that POA is still valid (some states)
Action Checklist
Get multiple certified copies of POA from the notary or attorney
Call each bank to ask their specific POA requirements
Schedule in-person appointments (this often can't be done online)
Bring parent if possible (makes the process smoother)
Request online account access with your own login
Get debit card in your name as POA (if needed)
Set up account alerts sent to your email
Bank Account Tracker
| Bank |
Account Type |
POA Submitted |
Access Granted |
Online Login? |
| | □ Yes | □ Yes | □ Yes |
| | □ Yes | □ Yes | □ Yes |
| | □ Yes | □ Yes | □ Yes |
| | □ Yes | □ Yes | □ Yes |
If the Bank Refuses Your POA
- Ask to speak with a branch manager
- Request their written rejection reason
- Have your attorney send a letter citing state law
- Most states have laws requiring acceptance of valid POAs
- File complaint with state banking regulator if necessary
Bills & Recurring Payments
Get access to accounts and set up autopay so nothing gets missed.
Priority Bills to Address
Mortgage / Rent
Contact lender to add yourself as authorized contact
Property Taxes
Set up autopay or add yourself to receive bills
Homeowner's / Renter's Insurance
Get policy details, add yourself as authorized
Health Insurance / Medicare Supplement
Keep premiums paid to maintain coverage
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water)
Set up autopay, add yourself as contact
Phone / Internet / Cable
Review for unnecessary services to cancel
Car Insurance
Keep current even if not driving (protects asset)
Life Insurance
Keep premiums paid, know the beneficiaries
Bills Tracker
| Bill |
Company |
Amount |
Due Date |
Autopay? |
| | | | □ Yes |
| | | | □ Yes |
| | | | □ Yes |
| | | | □ Yes |
| | | | □ Yes |
| | | | □ Yes |
Set Up Paperless & Autopay
For every account, try to: (1) Add your email for paperless statements, (2) Set up autopay from their checking account, (3) Add yourself as authorized contact. This prevents missed payments and lets you monitor from anywhere.
Government & Benefits
Social Security, Medicare, and other benefits have their own authorization processes.
Social Security
Important: Social Security Doesn't Accept Standard POA
Social Security has its own authorization process. You'll need to become a "Representative Payee" to manage their benefits. This requires a separate application through SSA.
Create my.ssa.gov account for your parent (if possible)
Apply to become Representative Payee (Form SSA-11)
Set up direct deposit to account you can manage
Keep records of how benefits are spent (required)
Medicare & Health Insurance
Create Medicare.gov account for your parent
Submit Authorization Representative form (CMS-1696)
Contact Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurer with POA
Contact Medicare Advantage plan if applicable
Contact Part D prescription plan
Other Benefits to Check
Veterans Benefits (VA Form 21-22a for POA)
Pension payments from former employer
State benefits (Medicaid, property tax exemptions)
SNAP / food assistance if applicable
IRS & Taxes
Submit Form 2848 (IRS POA) to represent them with IRS
Get copies of recent tax returns
Contact their accountant/tax preparer
Set up IRS online account if possible
Investments & Retirement Accounts
Brokerage firms and retirement accounts have their own authorization requirements.
Action Checklist
Contact each brokerage/investment firm with POA
Request their specific POA acceptance form
Get online access set up with your own login
Review beneficiary designations on all accounts
Understand Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) if over 73
Contact financial advisor if they have one
Investment Account Tracker
| Institution |
Account Type |
POA Submitted |
Access Granted |
| □ IRA □ 401k □ Brokerage | □ Yes | □ Yes |
| □ IRA □ 401k □ Brokerage | □ Yes | □ Yes |
| □ IRA □ 401k □ Brokerage | □ Yes | □ Yes |
Other Assets to Locate
Safe deposit box (get access as POA)
Savings bonds
Real estate deeds
Vehicle titles
Valuable personal property (jewelry, collectibles)
Check for Lost Assets
Search your state's unclaimed property database (every state has one). Millions of dollars in forgotten accounts, insurance policies, and refunds go unclaimed. Search at MissingMoney.com or your state's treasury website.
Your Fiduciary Duty
As POA, you must act in your parent's best interest, not your own. Keep detailed records of every financial transaction. Never mix their money with yours. You can be held legally liable for mismanagement.
Healthcare Power of Attorney
If you're the healthcare POA, here's what you need to do.
Immediate Actions
Give copies to all doctors and specialists
Provide copy to primary hospital
Give copy to their pharmacy
Add to their medical records on patient portals
Keep a copy in their home, wallet, and with you
Related Documents to Confirm
HIPAA Authorization
Allows you to access their medical information
Living Will / Advance Directive
Specifies their end-of-life wishes
POLST/MOLST Form
Medical orders for life-sustaining treatment
DNR Order (if applicable)
Do Not Resuscitate instructions
Healthcare Provider Tracker
| Provider |
Name |
Phone |
POA on File? |
| Primary Care | | | □ Yes |
| Cardiologist | | | □ Yes |
| Specialist | | | □ Yes |
| Hospital | | | □ Yes |
| Pharmacy | | | □ Yes |
Know Their Wishes
Have a conversation with your parent about their healthcare wishes while you can. Ask about: pain management preferences, feelings about life support, quality vs. quantity of life, religious/spiritual considerations. Document their answers.
Master POA Checklist
Use this summary to track your overall progress.
Documents & Copies
Have multiple certified copies of POA
Original stored securely
Scanned copy on phone/cloud
Financial
All bank accounts accessible
Investment accounts accessible
Bills on autopay
Credit monitoring set up
Government
Social Security (Representative Payee if needed)
Medicare access
IRS authorization (Form 2848)
Healthcare
POA on file with all providers
HIPAA authorization in place
Know their healthcare wishes
Insurance
Health insurance accessible
Home/auto insurance accessible
Life insurance policies located
Having POA is a responsibility and a gift.
You're protecting someone who trusted you
with their most important decisions.