In March of 2012, Senate Bill 2585 was passed that enables institutions of higher education to mandate direct deposit of employees’ pay. The University of Washington is moving towards this change and the Payroll Office encourages all employees currently receiving paper checks to sign up for direct deposit prior to our implementation of this legislation.

To sign up for direct deposit, log into Employee Self Service at: http://f2.washington.edu/fm/payroll/payroll/ESS

For more information regarding this change, see RCW 41.04.240.

Direct Deposit

Payroll direct deposit is the process by which your paycheck is electronically deposited to your checking or savings account.

The University of Washington encourages all employees to have direct deposit.

Funds become available in your bank account on payday. If not, please contact your bank directly.
Direct deposit can only be sent to one bank account. It cannot be split up among multiple accounts.
Direct deposit can be made to any financial institution within the United States.

Benefits of Direct Deposit:

Peace of Mind: No worries about mail delays and lost or stolen checks.
Prompt Payment: Deposits are credited on payday.
Convenience: No special trips to pick up and deposit checks.
Freedom: Payments are automatically deposited to your account, even if you are out of town or ill.
Savings: No check cashing fees. Many banks offer free checking and other incentives for UW employees using direct deposit.
Timeliness: Earnings information is available on Employee Self Service three days before payday.

Online Direct Deposit

1. Go to Employee Self Service (you must have a UWNetID).

2. Click the 'Sign up for Direct Deposit' link on the welcome page.

NOTE: if link not available click 'Earnings,' then 'Direct Deposit.'

3. Select 'Start or Change Account' and enter the requested information from your check.

NOTE: if you do not have a check available, please verify your routing and account information with your financial institution.

4. You will receive an e-mail confirmation of the change within 24 hours of updating your Payroll Direct Deposit.

Get started now - Click here to go to Employee Self Service

Closing or Changing your Bank Account Information:

You must change or cancel your direct deposit at least 5 business days prior to a payday to avoid having your funds deposited into a closed/invalid account. If the stop/change was not made in time, a paper check will be generated only after the funds are redirected back to us by your financial institution (there are no exceptions). Your departmental Payroll Coordinator will be contacted when the check is available for pick up.

NOTE: This process normally takes 2-4 business days.

Payroll Deductions to Credit Unions

Though only one account can be entered at any one time for payroll direct deposit, you may choose the option to have payroll deductions to the following 3 credit unions:

• Washington State Employees Credit Union
• School Employees Credit Union
• Prevail Credit Union

To participate, complete a payroll deduction form found in the links above or by contacting your credit union. Send the completed deduction form to the Payroll Office with the flat amount that you would like deducted from your paychecks to be sent to the credit union each payday. Your remaining net pay will be deposited into your direct deposit account listed on ESS. This is an alternative option for those looking for direct deposit into multiple accounts.

Links to Credit Unions and Banks

Many financial institutions offer incentives such as "free checking" to encourage participation in Direct Deposit. To view incentives from the credit unions and banks, click on the link(s) below.

School Employees Credit Union of Washington

Washington State Employees Credit Union

Bank of America

U.S. Bank

Wells Fargo

Payroll Office