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Human Resources-Direct Deposit common FAQ's

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1. What is direct deposit?

Direct deposit is a convenient method of receiving your pay by having it deposited directly into your checking or savings account to a bank or credit union of your choice. You benefit from the convenience of not having to make a trip to the bank to deposit your payroll check. It will automatically be deposited even if you are sick, on vacation, or away on a business trip. In addition, you can easily access your money using your bank debit card to withdraw money from Automated Teller Machines or make purchases as of the morning of payday.

2. Who can participate?

All Snohomish County employees including employees of Junior Taxing Districts whose payroll is processed by the County can participate in direct deposit.

3. Can I deposit my check in any bank?

Yes, you can have your check directly deposited into any account within the United States. The Direct Deposit Enrollment Form allows direct deposit into four different accounts.

4. Can I have a portion, either a fixed dollar amount or a percentage, of my net pay deposited into any bank?

Yes, we can transmit a fixed amount or percentage of your net pay to SnoCope Credit Union or any other bank.

5. When can I access the money deposited into my account?

Your money will be available to you on payday. In most cases, your money will be deposited even before your bank opens for business. This is quicker than if you deposit a check with a teller.

6. How will I know how much will be deposited to my account?

You will receive a direct deposit payment advice instead of a paycheck and stub on pay day. You will find the amount deposited to each account in the Payroll Net Pay Distribution box in the middle of your direct deposit payment advice.

7. How can I be assured unauthorized charges will not be made against my account?

Electronic transactions are protected by Federal Regulation E and are subject to stringent safeguards. If you discover a transaction you have not authorized, you have up to sixty days to contact your financial institution, let them know you have not authorized the transaction and receive restitution.

8. How do I sign up?

Complete a Direct Deposit Enrollment Authorization form available through your Payroll Representative, EMSS, SnoCope Credit Union, Finance web site or at G:\forms\finance\payroll\DD enrollment form. Return the completed authorization form to the Payroll Division at M/S 610.

9. How soon will my direct deposits begin?

In most cases, a direct deposit will be processed within two payroll cycles from when we receive the form. SnoCope Credit Union deposits will be processed within the next pay cycle.
The reason it takes two pay cycles for most direct deposits to begin is because new enrollments or changes require an account verification process called a pre-note. This verification process ensures the accuracy of the bank routing number and the account number you have provided on your form. Pre-notes to your accounts will be shown with zero amounts in the middle box on your pay stub labeled Payroll Net Pay Distribution.
If the deposit information is rejected by the bank, Payroll will contact you and your enrollment will be delayed until the correct information is obtained and re-processed.

10. Can I call the Payroll Division, my bank, or my credit union to make changes to my deposit authorization?

No. Phone calls do not give the County the required authorization to make enrollments, changes, or cancellations to your direct deposit. All information must be submitted in writing by using the Direct Deposit Enrollment Authorization form. Forms are available from your Payroll Representatives, in EMSS, on the Finance web site or at 'G:\forms\finance\payroll\DD enrollment form'. All completed forms must be returned to the Payroll Division at M/S 610.

11. Am I required to sign up for direct deposit?

No. This service is offered for your convenience. You always have the option of receiving a check.

12. Can I have a fixed dollar amount or a percentage of my pay go to a bank and the remainder of my net pay issued to me as a check?

Yes, complete sections for Account 2, 3, or 4 with a fixed dollar amount or a percentage.

13. If I already have a set amount going to my savings account at SnoCope Credit Union, can I have the remainder of my check deposited to another financial institution?

Yes. You are allowed to have a fixed dollar amount sent to SnoCope Credit Union and the net (or remainder) of your earnings deposited to another bank account or credit union account of your choice. In this case, complete the Primary Account section of the enrollment authorization form marked Net Pay Remaining.

14. The form indicates “Savings” only for SnoCope; will it go to my checking account?

Yes, it will if you made this arrangement with SnoCope Credit Union.
Snocope Credit Union offers its members more flexibility in processing their direct deposit payment. By sending your pay to a Savings account at SnoCope, it allows their system to automatically allocate this amount to the various accounts authorized by the member; this can include savings, checking, loan payments, etc. Please complete your direct deposit form at SnoCope Credit Union so your direct deposit is allocated to the accounts you choose.

15. Can I have my pay deposited to a savings account or must it be a checking account?

You may have your pay directly deposited to either a checking or a savings account. In some cases, your financial institution may offer additional distribution services as well.

16. What if I want to cancel my direct deposit?

You may cancel your direct deposit authorization by completing and submitting the Direct Deposit Enrollment Authorization form and selecting “Cancel” for any deposits you wish to stop. Your cancellation will occur within 15 days of receipt of your written notice.

17. What happens if I move my account to another bank or my bank changes my account number?

You will need to notify the Payroll Division by completing a new authorization form indicating the new bank and account number. Attach a voided check from your new bank account. A voided temporary check is also acceptable.
Usually, when banks change blocks of account numbers, they send us the updated account information via an Automated Clearing House Returned Items Report. If your bank has changed your account number, please check with the Payroll Division to ensure your account has been updated.

18. Will my bank charge me for this service?

Banks do not charge for electronic deposit and most encourage direct deposit.

19. When I separate from employment, will my paycheck be deposited?

No. Your separation payroll check will not be deposited into your bank account or credit union accounts. Our policy is to issue a regular check when an employee separates.