Childcare Voucher Company wont give funds back

[happydalek]

Hi,

I hope I have posted in the right place, and that someone can point me in the right direction for some advice.

I used a childcare voucher scheme in 2008-2010, and as I was on maternity leave for much for that time (two babies close together) accumulated nearly £2000. The money would basically go out of my wages before tax,and remain in a holding account of the voucher company, awaiting instruction. I would then pay a childcare provider with it.

My company stopped using the voucher provider in 2010 and switched to a different one, which I then used when I returned to work. I asked the original voucher company at the time but was told I could not transfer the money to the new company but that it would remain in the account and I could use it when I needed it. I asked if I could have the money paid back into my account (where it would be taxed) and they said yes, just get my HR department to call them to confirm pay roll details etc.

That was 6 months ago, and I am now in a position where I am not returning to work having had my third baby. I have now registered as a childcarer myself, so have no need for childcare. My oldest sons school, run afterschool activities, but these are all outsourced and the providers do not accept the vouchers, nor are they ofsted registered, so I have no way of using this money.

I called the original voucher company yesterday and asked them if I could have the money paid back to me, as I could not use the vouchers now, but they said they would not pay it back, as I could only have the money back if there was a life changing circumstance which prevented me from continuing to pay into the childcare scheme. They said they money would remain there for me to use but if, by 4 years, I have not used it (2012) they would keep it and not release it to me.

Does anyone have any advice on this situation? They would not state what they considered to be a life changing situation - they were being very reserved about what they said at all.

There are no terms on their web site, just a FAQ, with no reference to this. I am looking for the original paperwork, which i put in the loft so have it but not to hand. If similar wording was used in that too, where do i stand? Can i get this money back?

many thanks for any advice.

h

[Amethyst]

Re: Childcare Voucher Company wont give funds back

I really don't know much about these vouchers - you may find somewhere like mumsnet / moneysavingexpert etc have more experience - from what I can work out I think you have to ask via your employer who offered the scheme and should be entitled to a reimbursement of all unused voucher payments if you request it within 12 months of the last payment - I'm not sure how it works if you have already left employment as the reimbursement is made through the payroll so it sorts out the tax bits. If you can dig the documents out of the loft that would be a good idea - have a look at the HMRC website too. The main companies who run the schemes are also members of Childcare Voucher Providers Association - Home
and abide by a code of practice.

Sorry I can't be of much more help - someone else might be along later who knows how these schemes work.

[happydalek]

Re: Childcare Voucher Company wont give funds back

Hi,

Thanks for your reply. I didn't know about the code of practice so will have a look at that in a bit. Looks like ill need to delve into my loft too!

H