What is salary sacrifice?
It`s a way of reducing some of your salary in exchange for another kind of benefit. Sacrificing salary means changing your terms and conditions of work with your employer. An HMRC guide to salary sacrifice is available from your tax office or online to download by clicking here.

Is there a minimum and maximum amount I can sacrifice?
Yes. The maximum is £55 per week or £243 per month. The minimum amount is £10 per month.

What if my salary goes down?
If your salary is reduced to the extent that your sacrifice takes it below the minimum wage, you will need to adjust the amount you sacrifice or withdraw from the scheme. Your terms and conditions of employment will need to change to reflect this.

What if my personal circumstances change?
Normally, you will be bound by the terms and conditions of your new contract during the period you select to receive kidsunlimited Childcare Vouchers. However, there are certain ‘life changing events’ that justify your withdrawal from the scheme and in such cases one month’s written notice must be given.

What if I pay a different amount for childcare each month?
If your payments vary from month to month, or are made at a different time to your salary, you can either manage your payments using our online facility or instruct us by post, e-mail or fax when you need to pay your carer.

How will it affect my pension?
That depends on your particular pension scheme. You will need to contact your Pensions Administrator who will give you more details.

Will my maternity benefit be affected?
Your Statutory Maternity Pay will be based on your reduced salary. Talk to your payroll department to see how far in advance of your due date you need to leave the scheme in order for your maternity benefit to remain unaffected.

Will it affect any mortgage offer?
Not usually. Employers generally will give a salary reference based on your notional salary, in other words, your actual salary plus the value of your salary sacrifice.

Will it be classed as benefit in kind?
Only if you receive over £55 in kidsunlimited Childcare Vouchers each week on top of your salary.

Will the childcare element of my Working Tax Credit be affected?
It could be... but it may actually be in your favour. Tax Credit is worked out on your total taxable income, and as you receive less of it when you make your salary sacrifice, your WTC entitlement could actually go up. However, your kidsunlimited Childcare Vouchers benefit means you’ll be paying less in real terms for childcare... and this might have the effect of lowering the amount you can claim in the childcare element of WTC. Everybody’s circumstances are different, so HMRC have produced an on-line calculator to help you decide which benefit is better for you. You will find it by clicking here.

Can I use my vouchers for more than one child and more than one carer?
Yes. As long as your children are under 16 and their carer accepts payment from kidsunlimited Childcare Vouchers.

Can both parents join the scheme?
Yes, if they meet all the requirements, which means the savings can be as high as £2,390 pa.

What notice do I need to leave the scheme?
In the event of a life changing event, you need to give us at least one month’s notice in writing of your intention to leave the voucher scheme.

How are childcarers paid?
Through a secure BACS transfer to their bank account. Any additional fees above your kidsunlimited Childcare Vouchers allowance will have to be met by you.

Can I use my vouchers for irregular childcare, during school holidays for instance?
Yes. You can simply ‘bank’ your vouchers for when you need to use them. Just let us know as and when you want to pay for childcare, or select the internet facility when you complete the application form.

What happens if I leave my job?
No further payments will be made and you will need to make alternative arrangements for paying your childcarer directly.