Reporting Instruction Manual
Six-step process

The Michigan Office of Retirement Services (ORS) uses a six-step process to track wages and hours for members of the Michigan Public Schools Retirement System. Following these steps ensures that each member receives the correct amount of service credit in their account.

Step 1: Check for changes

Review your records before you start the payroll process. Look at the DC feedback file to see if there are any changes to defined contribution (DC) plans. DC plans are retirement accounts where the amount saved depends on how much is put in. Check the Member Benefit Plan screen for new or returning employees. Also, check the View Election Status screen to see if new employees have picked a specific retirement plan.

Step 2: Create the report

Use your payroll system to create a retirement report file. Add any extra records that are needed for the current pay period.

Step 3: Upload the report

You must upload the report by the third business day after the pay period ends. Log in to the website and select Create a New Report. You can upload your file or copy a previous report forward. If you have new members who chose a DC plan, add those records now if you did not add them during step 2.

Step 4: Review the report

The system checks your report overnight. The next day, log in and select the current pay period. Use the Error Download Detail to find and fix any mistakes. Use the Report Totals Download Detail to check for any math errors. You must click Accept Report as soon as you can. Do this no later than five business days after the pay period ends. Save a copy of your totals once the report is finished.

Step 5: Check the statement and pay

The payment is due seven business days after the pay period ends. A staff member called a Payment Processor must finish this task.

• Paying early: Go to the Recent Activity screen on the View Employer Statement page.
• Paying on day seven: Check the Pay Cycle Statement to see the total amount you owe for both plan types.

Pay the amount shown on the Balance Due line. Use the DB Contributions & TDP type for defined benefit payments. Use the DC Contributions type for defined contribution payments.

Step 6: Verify final posting

On the 10th business day after your pay period ends, you must perform a final check. Log in to the Employer Reporting website and review your employer statement. This confirms that all payments have been applied and that no further errors appeared after the system processed your money.