MMD Should I keep my ticket refund?

Former_MSE_Naomi

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

My employer pays for my train tickets to travel to work as part of my benefits. I travel during my own time and recently made a successful claim for a delay. Should I keep this money or give it to my employer given it paid for the ticket?

Unfortunately the MSE team can't always answer money moral dilemma questions as contributions are often emailed in or suggested in person. They are intended to be enjoyed as a point of debate and discussed at face value.

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McKneff

I wouldnt hesitate to keep it.

You are the one who was inconvenienced by the delay...

No dilemma there

agrinnall

I'm pretty sure this one has been done before.

k3lvc

McKneff wrote: »

I wouldnt hesitate to keep it.

You are the one who was inconvenienced by the delay...

No dilemma there

Interesting one - we've just had clarity that if it doesn't impact working time (no meetings missed etc) then DelayRepay can be kept - but then no-one in my organisation has their personal travel paid for - that's one serious benefit

agrinnall wrote: »

I'm pretty sure this one has been done before.

Maybe someone in MSE Towers forgot what they'd made up before :rotfl:

MSE_Kelvin

We never forget.

romeroe

It is compensation for your time (you are entitled to this), rather than a refund of the ticket (your company would be entitled to this).

polka.dot

Keep it. If you work for a large company, chances are it will be nigh on impossible to put it back into the system.

AntoineFR

The refund is indeed a compensation from my point of view. It is different from you not making the trip and getting a refund for an unused ticket for example.

Would be the same if you were taking the planning, get delayed over 3hours and then get £200 compensation.

gloriouslyhappy

As the others have said, it's compensation for your time, not a refund of the ticket price, so keep it with a clear conscience.

crmism

Look at it this way.

Your are fortunate to have an employer which covers your travel costs both ways. You say that your journey was delayed. Was it when you were going to work, or when you were returning home? If the former, then the delay was in your employer's time and you ought to volunteer the money; you never know, the gesture might help your promotion prospects. If the latter, it was your time being wasted, and you should keep the money.

stmartinsdiver

A 'no brainer' - your wasted time your compensation - just give your employer some extra hours free and everyone's a winner.