In this section we will break apart a sample paystub. You will be introduced to the 4 sections that comprise your stub and learn basic information about each one.
The first section of your paystub displays your gross income, net income, total deductions, and the contributions made by your employer. This information is essential for personal accounting.
The Check and Deposit Section:
The second part of your paystub lists all checks and direct deposits your employer (GMU) has made to your account. Use this information to reconcile your bank statements. Remember, this information only applies to the pay period that is listed on your paystub.
The third part of your paystub shows a breakdown of your income by type of work. "Regular Earnings" refers to the income you are paid for your hours worked. Items such as "VSDP Family and Personal Leave", "VSDP Sick Leave", and other types of leave, refer to income you receive for leave, a benefit provided by Mason.
Notice this section does not display how many hours of leave you have available to take, only how many you have taken and been compensated for. To view your leave balance, login to Patriot Web and look under "Employee Services".
The Benefits and Deductions Section:
The fourth part of your paystub displays a summary of deductions, contributions, and various expenditures. This information-packed list includes important items such as your retirement plan, tax witholdings, and Social Security withholding (FICA).
"Personal Deductions" includes all deductions, some optional and others mandatory. "Employer Contributions" are amounts paid by the employer on your behalf, usually in compliance with federal and state regulation. Not all of these contributions are reflected in your net income - Social Security for example.
For a detailed breakdown of this section, including information on your health and retirement benefits, go to the next section: What Do All The Numbers Mean?
