Payroll giving FAQs

Find out how to give through your wages

Want to know more about payroll giving? Below are answers to the most commonly asked questions. If there is anything else you would like to know, please call our Supporter Services team on 020 7424 6626.

Payroll giving

How does Payroll Giving work?

It’s very easy. You complete the online form and this comes through to us.  We make sure that your company operates a scheme that allows you to give to us straight from your pay and we notify your payroll department that you would like to set up a regular donation to us in this way.

If you can’t give to us through your pay, as your company does not operate the scheme (some still don’t!), then we will contact you to let you know.

Payroll Giving donations made online are processed by a company we work with called ‘Payroll Giving In Action’.

If I fill out a form today, how long will it be before the first deduction is taken from my pay?

Usually it will start on your next payroll day, but if you are signing up towards the end of the month deductions are likely to start the next but one payroll day. 

How do I know that you have received my donation?

Your donation is very important to us and we will write to thank you.  We may also send you updates on our work if you have indicated that you are happy to receive these. You will know the deduction has started as it will appear on your payslip.

Is there a minimum or maximum amount I have to give?

No, there’s no upper or lower limit. Do remember that whatever you give comes straight from your gross pay, before tax. This means that a monthly donation of £10 only costs you £8 each month and a monthly £5 donation only costs you £4 each month.

How is Payroll Giving different to a Direct Debit?

Gifts made through Payroll Giving are taken straight from your gross (pre-tax) pay. This makes them immediately tax-effective (so there’s no need to sign up to the Gift Aid scheme).

Can I stop giving when I want?

Yes, you just need to notify your payroll department directly.

What happens to my donations if I leave my job?

Your gifts are taken from your wages so they’ll automatically stops when you leave your job. But we hope that you will continue to give to us at your next job! You just need to set the gift up again as your donations are not transferable.

Is there an administration fee?

Yes, but only a small one.  Your employer will use a Payroll Giving Agent (like a charity bank) to distribute any money donated by you and your colleagues.  The Payroll Giving Agents are charities that need to make a small charge to cover their operating costs. Some employers pay this fee on your behalf so we receive your full donation.

If your employer doesn’t pay the fee, the Payroll Giving Agent will deduct it from your donation before passing it on to us. This will be between a 2% and 4% charge.

I pay tax at the higher rate of 40% or 45%, how does this affect tax relief on payroll donations?

You will receive tax relief at the highest rate of tax you pay – each pound you give will generate £1.66 if you are 40% or £1.82 if you are a 45% taxpayer.

Can I still give through my pension?

Yes, if you receive an occupational pension and your pension provider deducts tax through the PAYE system, you are still eligible for the scheme.  Simply ask your occupational pension provider to make a donation from your pension before tax has been deducted.

What should I do if my employer doesn’t currently have a scheme?

If you aren’t sure that they do, fill in the form anyway and we will let you know if they don’t and perhaps we can suggest to them that they introduce one.

Who can I contact if I need any further information?

We hope to have answered all your questions, but if there is anything else please call our supporter services team on 020 7424 6626 or email support@anthonynolan.org

How can I promote this way of giving to my colleagues?

If you’d like to promote payroll giving at your workplace, please get in touch with our supporter services team on support@anthonynolan.org or call 020 7424 6626, or share our Payroll giving page.