Payroll Frequently Asked Questions

Before enrolling in the State's Direct Deposit Program, you should carefully review the information below as it will provide you with answers to questions most frequently asked by employees considering Direct Deposit. Other questions can be directed to the Payroll Office at 805-755-3630, (ext. 3630) or email Payroll at payroll.services@csuci.edu

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What is Direct Deposit

Direct Deposit is a program that allows for the automatic deposit of your net earnings in the financial institution of your choice.

What Are Some Of The Reasons For Enrolling In Direct Deposit?

  • Less trips to your financial institution.
  • Avoidance of long lines at your financial institutions on paydays.
  • Convenient and consistent deposit of your earnings.
  • Security knowing that paychecks cannot be lost, stolen, or forged.
  • Less risk of a paycheck being lost or misdirected by your financial institution

How Do I Know If I Am Eligible For Direct Deposit?

All state employees are eligible for direct deposit.

Will I Be Eligible For Direct Deposit If I Work Out Of State?

Yes. Payroll funds can be deposited to any financial institution within the United States as long as your institution is participating in the program for automated deposits. Check with your financial institution to find out if they will accept automated deposits.

What Financial Institutions Participate In The State's Direct Deposit Program?

Any financial institution that deposits through the Federal Reserve Bank System and is an active participant in the Direct Deposit Program may be used by an employee.

How Do I Sign Up For Direct Deposit?

Individuals wishing to enroll in the program must complete a Direct Deposit Enrollment Authorization Form. Hard copy forms are also available for pick up and completion in the Office of Human Resources Service located in Lindero Hall.

What Is The Bank Routing Number And Account Number Requested In The Enrollment Authorization Form?

These numbers are used to identify your financial institution and account. It is extremely important that this information be accurate; if it is not, the length of time to enroll in the program could be increased, or funds could be routed to the wrong account. We recommend that you verify your bank routing and account numbers with your financial institution before the Enrollment Authorization Form is submitted. Instructions have also been included on the reverse side of the form to assist you in identifying these numbers.

Special Note To Credit Union Members:

Many credit unions in California use a Depository Service company to process personal check transactions. The routing number for this Depository Service is printed on your personal checks and is not the routing number for your local credit union. Always contact your credit union to obtain the correct routing number before completing the STD 699 form.

What Happens After I Submit The Enrollment Form?

The Payroll Office will verify you are a state employee, complete the remainder of the form, and forward it to the State Controller's Office for processing. Once the State Controller's Office verifies that you have an active account at your designated financial institution, all paychecks you receive through the payroll system (e.g., regular pay, overtime, adjustments, etc.) will be made by Direct Deposit.

After The State Controller's Office Receives My Form, How Long Will It Take For The Change To Occur?

You can expect Direct Deposit of your paychecks to begin within 30 to 45 days after your form is received by the State Controller's Office. This time is necessary to verify that an active account exists with your financial institution. Financial institutions are given 20 days to respond. Once this verification has been completed, your next paycheck will be issued through Direct Deposit.

To Expedite Enrollment:

Attach a voided check or a preprinted document from your financial institution that includes their name and routing number, your name and personal account number along with the completed Direct Deposit Enrollment Form, STD 699.

How Will I Know If The State Has Sent My Paycheck To My Financial Institution?

You will receive a Direct Deposit Advice when payment is distributed on payday. You can review your paycheck by enrolling in the Cal Employee Connect portal. Direct deposit payments begin with a paycheck number of 05- through 09-.

Can Paychecks Be Deposited To Either My Checking Or Savings Accounts?

Yes. Either account is eligible. However, you must designate only one account to receive your funds. If you want a portion of your paycheck deposited into another account, you must make a transfer of funds arrangement with your financial institution.

Can I Have My Paychecks Deposited To My Spouse's Account?

No. The account to which your paycheck is deposited must carry your name. It can be held in a joint status if your name is on the account.

What If I Later Choose To Transfer My Direct Deposit To Another Account Or Financial Institution?

To transfer your Direct Deposit, complete and submit a new enrollment form. Within 30 to 45 days, your Direct Deposit will be redirected to your new account and/or new financial institution.

Important! You must keep your old account open until your first paycheck is deposited into your new account. Once a deposit is made to the new account, the old account can be closed. If your old account is closed before you notify the State Controller's Office of the change, the paycheck will be rejected by the financial institution and a payroll warrant will not be issued until the paycheck is returned to the Controller's Office. Due to process timing, you may receive a paper warrant for one month.

What Happens If A Paycheck Is Rejected By My Financial Institution Because Of A Problem With The Account?

If a paycheck is rejected by your financial institution because of an invalid account number, the State Controller's Office will notify your Payroll Office, take you off the Direct Deposit program, and issue a payroll warrant. The payroll warrant will be issued 9 to 17 working days after the State Controller's Office receives the returned paycheck from your financial institution.

What Happens If I Am Overpaid Through Direct Deposit

If you receive an overpayment through Direct Deposit, the State has the option of either recovering the funds directly from the account you designated for Direct Deposit or recovering the funds from future paychecks. If the State chooses to recover the overpayment from future salary warrants, it may be necessary to remove you from Direct Deposit.

Am I The Only One Who Can Cancel My Direct Deposit Authorization?

No. The Payroll Office may remove you from Direct Deposit under the following conditions:

  • Your Direct Deposit paycheck is returned due to a closed account or invalid routing number; or
  • It is necessary to recover/prevent an overpayment; or
  • Your attendance pattern could result in an overpayment; or
  • Under certain bankruptcy conditions. You will be notified by the Payroll Office if you are removed from the program.

If I Have More Than One Position, What Happens To My Pay?

Only one enrollment form is required even if you have more than one state-side position with the University. Once enrolled, your pay will be deposited into your designated account.

If My Funds Are Not Deposited On The Regular Scheduled Date, Whom Should I Contact?

If your funds are not available on the designated date and time, you should do one of the following:

  • If you have received your Direct Deposit Advice, first contact your financial institution to be certain there is no delay in posting at that institution. Usually the problem can be resolved at this level.
  • If your financial institution has not received your funds, or they were rejected due to a change in your account number, contact the Payroll Office 755-3630.

What If My Salary Or Payroll Deductions Change?

Your Direct Deposit Advice will indicate the change in your gross salary or deductions, and the new net salary will continue to be sent to your financial institution without interruption.

What If I Terminate My Employment With CSU Channel Islands?

If you leave this campus to work for another California State Agency in another location, your Direct Deposit will remain in effect unless you change or cancel it by completing a "Change" Direct Deposit Enrollment Authorization form for a new financial institution.

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