Q: What is the maximum amount of vouchers I can opt for?

A: Employees joining the scheme on or after 6th April 2011, will be able to take a maximum amount of vouchers free from tax and National Insurance Contributions as follows:

£243 per month for Basic Rate Tax payers

£124 per month for Higher Rate Tax payers

£97 per month for Additional Rate Tax payers

If however you join before 6th April 2011 all employees can receive £243.00 of vouchers free from tax and National Insurance Contributions.

The table below illustrates approximate annual savings available where maximum amount of vouchers are taken:

	Joining by 5th April 2011	Joining after 6th April 2011
Basic Rate	£886.00 (£243.00 Voucher)	£886.00 (243.00 Voucher)
Higher Rate	£1224* (£243.00 Voucher)	£624 (£124.00 Voucher)
Additional Rate	£1516* (£243.00 Voucher)	£605 (£97.00 Voucher)

*Savings based on 2011/12 tax and NI rates

An employee in the scheme prior to 6th April can alter the amount of the childcare vouchers they require without affecting the rate of exemption to which he or she is entitled.

Q: When do I need to apply?

A: Normally you need to apply by the 8th of the month you want to join. For example you will need to apply by 8th February to receive your first set of vouchers at the end of February. The exception to this is December, when the deadline is the 1st December.

Q: When will the vouchers be put into my KiddiVoucher account?

A: Vouchers are paid on the same day as your salary; the last working day of every month.

Q: I have applied online at Kiddivouchers.com to join the Childcare voucher scheme, what happens next?

A: Kiddivouchers will inform UCL that you would like to join the scheme and pass on the details of your voucher order so this can be deducted from your salary.

Q: My partner’s employers are also part of the scheme; can they receive this benefit too?

A: Yes, the benefit is per employee, not per family.

Q: How much will I save on tax and NI by being in the scheme?

A: The amount you save will depend on your salary. Please use the calculator for an estimate: https://www.kiddivouchers.com/calculator.php

Q: Can I change the amount I have in vouchers or leave the scheme at any point.

A: Once you have joined the scheme, you are in a contract to have vouchers every month. The amount can be changed, and you can leave the scheme, but only in the event of a lifestyle change.

Q: What is the maximum value of bike available to me through the Cyclescheme?

A: You can choose a bicycle up to £1000.

Q: How do I save money by joining this scheme?

A: A reduction of salary equal to the cost of the bike over a 12 month period is made from your gross salary, so before tax and NI is applied to your salary.

Q: Can I choose a bike from any shop?

A: No. You can only choose a bike from a shop which is currently part of the scheme. Your nearest shop can be found using the partner locator on the Cyclescheme website: http://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/home,intro.htm However, it is possible for a shop which isn’t part of the scheme to easily join.

Q: I have filled in an online request form for the voucher, what happens next?

A: Your request is approved by UCL after checking eligibility. It then takes 2-3 weeks for your voucher to be sent through. Once it arrives, you will be sent an email and invited to the payroll office to pick up your voucher and sign the hire agreement at the same time.

Q: What are the eligibility checks?

A: You must have a contract for 12 months or longer. After the deduction for your bike, your earnings must not go below the national minimum wage, nor go below the lower earnings limit for national insurance contributions.

Q: I live and work outside of London; can I have my voucher sent to me?

Yes. You will need to email the benefits administrator to request this.

Q: What happens at the end of the 12 month hire period?

After 12 months you may be given the opportunity to buy the bike. A letter will be sent from UCL; this will effect the transfer if in agreement and a deduction will be made from your salary.

Q: What happens if I leave UCL during the 12 months?

If you leave UCL, then the remaining balance will be recovered from you final salary as a net amount, plus a percentage for the transfer of ownership.

Q: What happens if my bike is lost or stolen during the 12 months?

If your bike is stolen during the 12 month period, then you will need to continue with the hire agreement.

Q: How do I apply for a Season ticket Loan?

A: apply for a season ticket loan through iExpenses using the following link http://www.ucl.ac.uk/fis

Q: When do the deductions start?

A: The deductions will start the month after your loan is paid to you, and will be repaid over 10 months.

Q: I have lost last year’s season ticket and I no longer have proof of this. What do I do now?

A: UCL will accept a copy of your bank statement if you paid by card. Or any train/ underground station will be able to give you a receipt for when you bought your previous ticket.

Q: Is there any tax benefit to the season ticket loan?

A: No. The loan is made as a net payment to your salary, unless the loan is for more than £5000 when it wll be taxed at the standard rate; the deductions are made from your salary as a net amount and therefore are not taxable.

Q: What is my sickness entitlement?

A: Your entitlement is based on your length of service at UCL.

SERVICE	FULL PAY	HALF PAY
During first 3 months	2 Weeks	2 Weeks
3 months - 12 months	9 Weeks	9 Weeks
12 months - 3 Years	13 Weeks	13 Weeks
3 years - 4 Years	22 Weeks	22 Weeks
More than 4 Years	26 Weeks	26 Weeks

If you are still on the old terms and conditions then you may have a different entitlement. Please contact the benefits administrator

Q: How is Statutory Sickness Paid and how long is it paid for?

A: SSP is paid for 28 weeks from when you go on sick leave. It is paid as part of your salary and therefore you will only receive this payment when you are on Nil Pay or if your Half Pay is less than the SSP amount.