Childcare vouchers whilst on maternity leave

[Oli31]

Hello

I'm currently on maternity leave with DD who is seven months old. My DS is at nursery and I've used a salary sacrifice childcare voucher scheme through work for the last couple of years to pay nursery fees.

I checked my work email the other day and noticed an email from the voucher scheme saying that my account had been credited with £243. I have just logged onto the scheme and this has happened each month, despite being on statutory mat pay. I've just checked this month's payslip and there's no mention of the payment.

So where has the payment come from? Has my HR failed to cancel the automatic payment, or is the voucher scheme just sending me an automatic email? The balance on the account has risen each month (DS is at home with me and DD at the moment), but no salary sacrifice has been made on my part.

Do I 'fess up to HR? How on earth would they unravel this?

Thanks so much for any advice in advance

[ThomasDisaster]

No, it is correct. You should be paid the vouchers while on Mat leave but your employers cannot deduct from stat mat pay so you basically get them for free

[Moobieboobie]

You are entitled to still receive childcare vouchers whilst on maternity leave so there is nothing to 'fess up'! Deductions cannot be made from SMP so you are effectively gaining a 'free benefit' so enjoy it whilst it lasts.

[Oli31]

Wow something for free??! Amazing! Thank you so much for clarifying. I will stop feeling guilty now

[BikeRunSki]

Great isn't it?