In this section, you'll find information about reading your pay statement, resolving pay discrepancies, updating deductions, and requesting income documentation.
My paycheck is wrong - who do I contact?
Start with your LES to identify which element is off. Timecard errors go to your timekeeper/supervisor; personnel-action problems go to HR Processing; deduction/tax questions go to the payroll provider. If unsure, open a payroll ticket—pay discrepancies are handled as urgent, same-day items.
Resources: Payroll ticket form
How do I read my Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)?
Your LES shows pay period earnings by type, all deductions (tax, FEHB, FEGLI, TSP, retirement), leave accruals/balances, and year-to-date totals. See the annotated sample LES article for a block-by-block walkthrough.
Resources: Payroll provider portal
How do I get a reissued or corrected W-2?
Duplicate W-2s are available self-service in the payroll provider portal going back several years. If actually incorrect, open a Payroll ticket for a W-2c.
Resources: Payroll provider portal; irs.gov
How do I update my direct deposit account?
Update it in payroll self-service with your routing and account numbers. Allow one to two pay periods; don't close the old account until a full payment land in the new account.
My locality pay didn't update after my duty station changed - why?
Locality pay follows the official duty station on your SF-50; the personnel action must process first, then applies retroactively. Check your latest SF-50; open a payroll ticket if unresolved after two pay periods.
Resources: eOPF; opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages
How do I change my federal or state tax withholding?
Submit a new W-4 (federal) or state form in payroll self-service; changes take effect within one to two pay periods. HR cannot advise on withholding amounts.
How do I set up, change, or cancel an allotment?
Discretionary allotments are managed in payroll self-service, up to a set number of allotments. Changes take effect during the next full pay period.
Resources: Payroll self-service system
I received a debt letter for an overpayment - how do I dispute it or set up repayment?
You can repay in full, request an installment agreement, request a waiver, or dispute the debt and request a hearing. Open a payroll ticket right away and attach the letter—these are handled confidentially and as priority items.
Resources: Payroll ticket form
When will I receive my retroactive pay from my delayed promotion?
Once the personnel action processes, payroll computes back pay to the effective date, usually one to two pay periods after the action, appearing as a separate adjustment line on your LES.
Resources: Payroll ticket form
Why wasn't my overtime or premium pay included in this check?
Overtime and premium pay post from your certified timecard; if amended or certified late, pay appears one pay period later as an adjustment. Confirm with your timekeeper.
Resources: Payroll ticket form
How is comp time earned and when does it expire?
Comp time is earned hour-for-hour in lieu of overtime and must be used within 26 pay periods of when earned; unused comp time is generally paid out at the overtime rate (in accordance with agency policy) or forfeited in limited cases.
Resources: opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave
My TSP (Thrift Savings Plan) deduction amount looks wrong - how do I fix it?
Compare your LES deduction against your current election in payroll self-service. Note the IRS annual limit stops contributions automatically once reached, which can affect matching if maxed out early.
Resources: tsp.gov; Payroll ticket form
Why did my health insurance premium deduction change?
Premiums change every plan year (first full pay period of January) even without an election change; mid-year changes usually reflect an enrollment change or correction. Compare your LES against your plan's current rate.
Resources: opm.gov/healthcare-insurance
How do I get proof of income for a prior year?
Download prior-year W-2s and final LES statements from the payroll provider portal. For older records, open a payroll ticket; IRS wage transcripts are also free at irs.gov.
Resources: Payroll provider portal; irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript