Where do I pick up my paycheck?
Consult with your Home Department Coordinator to find out from where you can pick up your paycheck;
do not go to Payroll Services for your check. You could also have your pay transferred to your bank or
USC Credit Union through Direct Deposit.
When is my next paycheck due out?
You can check the payroll schedules to find out when paychecks are distributed.
What are these deductions/reductions taken out from my paycheck?
Your check stub or advice slip itemizes all earnings, taxes, and mandatory and voluntary deductions/reductions, including
both employee and employer contributions. Information is provided for the current pay period as well as calendar year-to-date
totals.
If you have questions on any mandatory or voluntary deduction / reduction items, see your Home Department Coordinator first.
If he/she cannot answer your question, the Coordinator will refer you to the appropriate person or office.
| MANDATORY DEDUCTIONS |
| FICA-OASDI | Old Age Survivor Disability Insurance tax for Social Security. (Not deducted from student wage
based on enrollment status). This is a flat percentage based on your taxable income. |
| FICA-Medicare | Federal Insurance Contributions Act. (Not deducted from student wages based on enrollment status).
This is a flat percentage based on your taxable income. |
| Federal Income Tax | Withholding tax based on the W-4 you filed. Amount withheld varies depending on taxable income,
marital status and number of allowances claimed. All wages are taxable, including CWSP and student wages unless protected
by a tax treaty in the case of Non-Resident Aliens.
At the top of the check stub you will see "Fed" followed by either
M(arried) or S(ingle) and the number of allowances claimed on your current W-4 |
| State Income Tax | Withholding tax based on the W-4 or DE-4 you filed. All wags are subject to State of California taxes
unless you physically work in another state. It does not matter where your permanent residence is. Amount withheld varies depending
on taxable income, marital status and number of allowances claimed. If a separate DE-4 is not filed, your W-4 will be used to determine
withholding. All wages are taxable, including CWSP, student wages, and NRA earnings.
At the top of the check stub you will see "State" followed by either M(arried) or S(ingle) and the number of allowances claimed on your
current W-4 or DE-4.
If you claim "exempt" from federal or state taxes on a W-4 / DE-4, no taxes are withheld from the paycheck, but the wages are reported
on a W-2 at the end of the year. |
| Disability | USC Disability Insurance, unless State Disability is chosen. (Not deducted from student wages based on enrollment
status.) Direct questions to the Disability Office, 740-5875. |
| | |
| VOLUNTARY DEDUCTIONS/REDUCTIONS |
USC Supplemental
Disability Reduction | A voluntary plan which supplements the amount paid by Disability.
Direct questions to the Disability Office,
740-5875. |
 |
Insurance: Health,
Dental & Vision
Reduction | Employee contribution to the medical insurance plans that you
signed up with Kaiser, PacificCare, USC Network, Delta Dental, etc. |
Retirement: Basic
Reduction | The basic 5% retirement contribution taken from exempt employees who have enrolled in
Fidelity, Prudential, SunAmerica, TIAA, etc. |
Retirement:
Supplemental
Reduction | The Supplemental retirement amount you agreed to have deducted to your retirement account
that goes to Fidelity, Prudential, SunAmerica, TIAA, etc. |
Insurances:
Accident, Life,
et al | Contribution to optional insurance plans. |
| Direct questions regarding the above four items (Insurances & Retirement) to the
Office of Benefits Administration, 740-6027. |
|
Parking Reduction
or Deduction | Parking fees.
Direct questions to
Transportation Services, 740-3575. |
| USCard | Deductions taken from your USCard usage.
Direct questions to
USCard Services, 740-2044. |
What is the difference between "reduction" and "deduction"?
A "reduction" is taken before tax; a "deduction" is taken after tax.
What do I do about a lost or damaged check?
Download and print out a Stop Payment Form or obtain it from your Home Department Coordinator or Payroll Services.
Fill out the Form completely with precise check information and explain the reason for the Stop Payment.
If the form is not completely and accurately filled out, the form will be returned and no action will take place.
See your Home Department Coordinator to complete the form.
Return the completed form to your Home Department Coordinator ASAP.
A Stop Payment will be placed on the check, and you may pick up a replacement check from your Home Department
Coordinator after 3 working days if the "stop" is successful.
If the original check is found later, do not attempt to cash or deposit it. Return the original check to the Home Department Coordinator.
You will be notified if we could not stop payment because the check had already been cashed.
