Left with childcare vouchers I can't use due to lockdown

NewBornBaby

Are you in a similar situation, left with childcare vouchers you will never be able to spend?  Wondering how to get your money back?
My wife and I between us have several hundred pounds worth of childcare vouchers that we can't spend.
- We can't spend the vouchers due to school (and childcare) closing for lockdown.
- Childcare is not needed now, because my child has left primary school and will not need childcare any longer.
- I no longer work for employer that issued the vouchers.
- I would be happy if I could use them to pay for school lunches or trips but this is not allowed.
- I have written to my MP but he said it's likely it will be a while until he gets a reply.

poppy12345

I'm not sure why you think you can use the childcare voucher for school meals or trips... they are childcare vouchers.

sheramber

Childcare Vouchers can be used to pay for the care of children up to the age of 15 or 16 if they are disabled, including:

• Home based care such as childminders, nannies and au pairs
• Pre-school care such as nursery schools, play schools and crèches
• Care for older children such as out of school clubs (breakfast clubs, afterschool clubs including activities, homework clubs and boarding, and holiday clubs)

For a refund you would need to contact HR of your old employer to check if your employer can refund them. Some employers can but not all 

NewBornBaby

poppy12345 said:

I'm not sure why you think you can use the childcare voucher for school meals or trips... they are childcare vouchers.

I do not believe I can, I said that I would be happy if I could use them for those purposes.

NewBornBaby

sheramber said:

Childcare Vouchers can be used to pay for the care of children up to the age of 15 or 16 if they are disabled, including:

• Home based care such as childminders, nannies and au pairs
• Pre-school care such as nursery schools, play schools and crèches
• Care for older children such as out of school clubs (breakfast clubs, afterschool clubs including activities, homework clubs and boarding, and holiday clubs)

For a refund you would need to contact HR of your old employer to check if your employer can refund them. Some employers can but not all 

Thank you @sheramber I have contacted my old employer to ask them.

[Deleted User]

Failing that, find a friend who needs childcare and pay on their behalf, in return for 90% of the amount or similar.

NewBornBaby

Deleted_User said:

Failing that, find a friend who needs childcare and pay on their behalf, in return for 90% of the amount or similar.

It must be your own child that you use your vouchers for.

AlHas

Following as I'm in the exact same position.. Except I'm almost 1k out of pocket we have 3 kids and both took max for many years then realised we had over stockpiled and stopped last year.. However not paid club since mid march nor used holiday club as normal in 6 weeks - my youngest will be in Y6 i. September but club only allowed to take 15 kids from 1 school and they normally cater for 3 schools! As hubby and i still working from home we won't have a place.. 🙈 It's a lot of money to just let go..
I don't work for my employer either 🙈🙈
GRRRRR 

NewBornBaby

AlHas said:

Following as I'm in the exact same position.. Except I'm almost 1k out of pocket we have 3 kids and both took max for many years then realised we had over stockpiled and stopped last year.. However not paid club since mid march nor used holiday club as normal in 6 weeks - my youngest will be in Y6 i. September but club only allowed to take 15 kids from 1 school and they normally cater for 3 schools! As hubby and i still working from home we won't have a place.. 🙈 It's a lot of money to just let go..
I don't work for my employer either 🙈🙈
GRRRRR 

Hi, in case it's helpful I have written to my MP with lots of details and he's promised that he's contacted the DfE for a response although warned me not to expect a quick reply. 
I've also contacted my old employer to explain the situation and they have said they're looking into it.
I have also contacted my voucher provider - but they have not been very helpful.  Another provider may be more helpful though.
I would suggest doing what you can along those lines for now so that you have exhausted all those routes.
The more people that write to their MPs the better.
Good luck and please could you update this thread if you get an interesting reply from anyone?

getinmyselfoutadebt

I have vouchers too, the voucher company can’t do anything your employer can refund them. You’ll pay tax on them. I don’t see why your old employer can’t refund them just because you left. They still provided them. 

NewBornBaby

getinmyselfoutadebt said:

I have vouchers too, the voucher company can’t do anything your employer can refund them. You’ll pay tax on them. I don’t see why your old employer can’t refund them just because you left. They still provided them. 

Thank you @getinmyselfoutadebt have you successfully received such a payment from an employer and if so can you share anything about your experience to help the others on this thread?