Removal and relocation expenses

You may be able to claim removal and relocation expenses if you meet all of the following criteria:

• Newly appointed: you are a newly appointed member of staff.
• More than 50 miles away: you move from a location more than 50 miles from the University to a location nearer to the University, and the new location is your main residence.
• Contract length: your initial contract is for more than 12 months (at least 366 days) and is funded by the University, not by an external body. Staff appointed to posts funded by outside bodies are not eligible for removal expense grants unless the Master or the Chief Operating Officer approves exceptional circumstances.
• One package per household: you are not included in any other University relocation package. Only one relocation package is available per household. If a couple are both employed by the University and moving to work here, only one partner can claim.
• Claim deadline: you submit your claim within 12 months of starting your employment.

The following conditions apply to all relocation packages:

• Contract type: the type of contract you are offered will determine the level of relocation support (see eligibility section, above).
• Fixed-term contracts: if you are on a fixed-term contract that does not meet the original criteria, you cannot claim relocation expenses if your contract is later extended.
• Contribution only: the relocation package is a contribution towards your moving costs, not a full reimbursement.
• Approved expenses: payments are only made for approved, actual expenses, up to the maximum allowed in your package.

You can claim for the following relocation costs if you provide receipts or an invoice addressed to the University:

• Removal of belongings: by land or sea, including furniture and personal items.
• Storage costs: if there is a delay between leaving your old home and moving into your new one. Storage is not covered if the delay is by choice.
• Stamp Duty: a tax you pay when buying property in the UK.
• Property valuation fees: reasonable costs only.
• Legal fees: for buying your new home or selling your old one, including surveyor and estate agent fees.
• Advertising and estate agent fees: for selling your previous home.
• Short-term rental costs: if you pay rent and mortgage at the same time before your old home sells.
• Economy-class airfares: for you, your partner and children if relocating from overseas. Higher-class fares will not normally be reimbursed.
• Temporary accommodation: up to three nights while you look for a new place locally.
• Pet relocation costs: excluding any quarantine or kennel fees.
• Self-managed moves: for example, hiring a van or using your own vehicle, if cheaper or more convenient. You must get approval from the Payroll and Pensions Manager beforehand.

You cannot claim certain costs, including the re-direction of mail and council tax bills.

If you are unsure whether a cost is eligible, ask before making a claim.

Relocation allowances depend on your Grade, type of contract and where you are moving from.

The tables below show the maximum amounts you can claim – you may receive less, depending on your actual costs. Any payments over £8,000, where permitted, will be subject to tax deductions.

Standard contracts and fixed-term contracts of 3 years or more

Temporary or fixed-term contracts of more than 1 year and less than 3 years

Definitions:

• within the EU: refers to relocation from any country that is a member of the European Union
• outside the EU: covers all other countries, including those in the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland

If you resign from your post within two years of your original start date, you may have to repay some or all of the relocation expenses paid to you.

The amount you repay depends on how long you have worked for the University:

If you are on a contract of two years or less and you work until the end of your contract, repayment does not apply.

Before you relocate, contact the HR Payroll team at monthly-ns@st-andrews.ac.uk to confirm your entitlement and get instructions on how to make a claim.

The University may refuse to cover costs that are not included in the relocation policy or have not been agreed in advance by HR.