Personal representatives for Disabled People

A disabled person who, due to their disability, finds it difficult to safeguard their interests shall have the right to a personal representative. The disabled person shall choose an representative in consultation with the district commissioner. If there is any doubt about the will of the disabled person, consultation shall be held with close relatives, such as family members, friends, or service providers.

The disabled person and their personal representative shall sign an agreement on the assistance, which outlines the representative's authorisations. If the disabled person is unable to sign the agreement, it is permissible to deviate from the signing requirement, but the agreement must then be made in the presence of the district commissioner.

The agreement between the disabled person and the personal representative shall be submitted to the district commissioner for confirmation of the choice of representative and the content of the agreement.

Application to the District Commissioner for a Personal representative

Contact should be made with the district commissioner in the district where the disabled person resides regarding the application for a personal representative. See this page for information on the offices of district commissioners, service locations, phone numbers, and email addresses.

District commissioners took over the task on 1 January 2025. Further information about the service and its arrangement with district commissioners will be posted here when available. The matter falls under the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour Market.

Conditions for Being a Personal representative

A personal representative must have knowledge of the personal needs and interests of the disabled person they assist. The personal representative must be of legal age and, if the agreement involves the management of finances, must also be financially competent. If they have been convicted of offences under Chapters XXII, XXVI, 211, or 218 of the General Penal Code, the district commissioner shall assess whether they are fit to become a personal representative. The personal representative shall receive training on the content and focus of their role. The work of personal representative is unpaid.

Supervision of Personal representatives

The district commissioner supervises the implementation of the agreement between the disabled person and the personal representative. The personal representative shall annually submit a report to the district commissioner on the implementation of the agreement. This report shall detail the assistance provided to the disabled person in the previous year. If the agreement involves assistance with the management of finances for daily expenses, this assistance shall be specifically detailed with documents and explanations of expenses. The personal representative shall report their assistance to the district commissioner whenever requested.

The disabled person may revoke the personal representative's mandate at any time, and the district commissioner shall assist them if requested. The district commissioner shall revoke the personal representative's mandate if requested by either or both parties to the agreement. The district commissioner may also revoke such a mandate if a request is made by a legal guardian. The district commissioner may also revoke the personal representative's mandate if they believe the representative is not fulfilling their duties to the disabled person or no longer meets the conditions to be a personal representative.

The Personal Representative Assists With:

• Safeguarding their rights. Support in preparing informed decisions by the disabled person about their affairs. Assistance with decisions regarding services for the disabled person.

• Personal matters of the disabled person. Support in preparing informed decisions, such as regarding healthcare treatment, residence, employment, leisure activities, etc.

• Monitoring financial information.

• Paying daily expenses.

All actions of the personal representative shall be carried out in consultation with and with the consent of the disabled person and solely in accordance with the will and wishes of the individual.

Related Content

Legal respite for disabled people on island.is
Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour

Laws and Regulations

Law 88/2011 on Advocacy for Disabled People on the website of the Parliament (in Icelandic).