Washington Works

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the state replacing its payroll system?

Along with enacting the Personnel System Reform Act of 2002, the Legislature funded a modern enterprise-wide payroll and personnel management computer system to replace the state’s existing 30-year-old system (PAY1).

The new HRMS system supports civil service reform and collective bargaining, and will replace an inflexible legacy system with a personnel and payroll system that:

• Produces timely, accurate paychecks
• Coordinates statewide payroll and financial data
• Provides more functionality
• Provides more and better data
• Has improved potential for expansion (unlike old legacy system)
• Is supported by the software developer (which means the developer will provide periodic upgrades that ensure the state stays aligned with changes in federal tax rules).

How will I be affected?

The biggest change for the average state employee is the larger, expanded earnings statement. The new earnings statement replaces the old small-format “pay stub.” The new earnings statement will look like your typical bank statement. It will be printed on letter-sized paper and have more information than the old pay stub.

In addition to a new look, you may notice slight variances in deduction and payment amounts resulting from different calculation and rounding methods used by the new system. For example, HRMS calculates taxes on an annualized basis, rather than per pay period like the old system.

Although HRMS is vastly more efficient than its predecessor, most of the changes will be behind the scenes and transparent to the average employee.

When will my agency start using the new system?

Most agencies will begin using the new system in June 2006, and their employees will receive their first earnings statements and checks produced on the new system on July 10, 2006.

The following 23 agencies will use the new system for their April 10 paychecks:

Administrative Office of the Courts Office of Civil Legal Aid Court of Appeals Department of Agriculture Department of Information Services Department of Natural Resources Department of Retirement Systems Department of Veterans Affairs Joint Legislative Audit Review Committee Joint Legislative Systems Committee Joint Transportation Committee Health Care Authority

House of Representatives Office of Financial Management Office of the Governor Office of the State Treasurer Parks and Recreation Commission Permanent Statute Law Committee Senate Supreme Court Utilities and Transportation Commission Washington State Law Library Washington State Patrol