Changes to OPG Fee Remission & Exemption Applications
The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) have confirmed that from 2 February 2026 it will change how applications for remissions and exemptions from Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) and Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) registration fees are handled. These changes affect donors, attorneys, deputies and advisers who prepare applications to the OPG.
What’s Changing?
The standard fee for registering an LPA or EPA remains £92 per application. An exemption means no fee if the donor receives certain specified means-tested benefits, while a remission halves the fee (typically when gross annual income is under £12,000). Applicants must use form LPA120 with supporting proof of benefits or income.
From 2 February 2026, the OPG is introducing three main reforms:
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Universal Credit will no longer automatically qualify for a remission – instead, donors receiving Universal Credit will only be eligible if their gross annual income is below £12,000. Previous automatic remission based solely on this benefit will end.
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Retrospective applications will be discontinued – you must now submit any remission or exemption claim at the same time as the LPA registration application. Late submissions will not be accepted.
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Repeat applications must include fresh evidence – if an application is re-submitted following rejection or correction, a new LPA120 and current supporting documentation are required. Previously-approved remissions or exemptions will not automatically carry over.
What This Means in Practice
These updates tighten both eligibility and process rules. Applicants will need to:
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Check income and benefits before submitting an application.
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Collect and attach up-to-date evidence such as benefit award notices, pension letters, or wage slips with the LPA application.
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Avoid relying on retrospective relief or past decisions when making repeat submissions.
For assistance and to put your LPAs in place, contact Heritage Will Writing on 02380 879243.