Why Is My Special Allowance Lower This Month? Seeking Advice Before Talking to HR

Hi,

My special allowance included in my payslip for the month of April 2017 is less than in March 2017. I've declared investments under section 80C, which has reduced my TDS, but I don't understand the reason behind the difference in special allowance. I need inputs from experts here before I go and talk to HR.

Thanks, Abhik.

Dear Abhik,

Without knowing the basis on which the Special Allowance is computed, how can one comment? Please provide details and the full components of the Cost to Company (CTC) for examination. Also, when is your appraisal and increment due?

Thank you.

Please do not combine TDS with the lesser Special Allowance. As already pointed out by Mr. Kumar, provide relevant details to determine if any injustice has been done to you. What do you mean by the difference? Is it a case of short payment?

Your HR can only guide you on the reason for a lesser Special Allowance than the previous month. If there is any Leave Without Pay (LWP), it should affect every component of your salary and not only one. Apart from that, if there is any recovery, it should feature separately in the deductions and not be adjusted in any salary component, to the best of my knowledge.

1. Check your attendance for April; if it is equivalent, then check with HR. Simply ask them to explain why it is less than the last month. You have not mentioned the comparison of February with March. Are they the same?

Thank you for the replies. I checked with HR. Actually, I had increased my declarations under Flexible Benefit Plans like Telephone and Medical Allowances, which are being adjusted from the Special Allowance. The same will be paid every month once I submit the respective bills or in March 2018 after necessary deductions.

Actually, I had made a mistake here as I wasn't much aware. I was planning to invest some amount in SIP and had declared accordingly under 80C. This has reduced my TDS compared to the months in the last FY. But now, since a certain amount is going to FBP, I'm not able to use the money that I'm saving on tax. Hopefully, I'll have to wait every month once I submit the bills or till next March to get the lump sum amount.

Thanks.