How To Get Pay Stubs From Previous Employer

If you need to know how to get pay stubs from previous employer, keep in mind that you’ll go through the employer. Most times, you’ll need old copies of your pay stubs for many reasons. It could be tax filing, loans, or proof of income.

Either way, knowing how to get a paystub from an old job is important. And if you’re not able to, you should also know how to make your own pay stubs with a paystub generator.

In this article, we explain how to get pay stubs from previous employer and why you need old pay stubs. You’ll also learn what to do if you can’t get them.

Why You Need To Know How To Get Pay Stubs From Previous Employer

You should know how to get pay stubs from previous employer for many reasons. These pay stubs serve many different purposes. First, they are official documents you can use as proof of income and employment. Also, when you’re filing taxes, you can use what’s on your pay stubs to check and confirm that your W-2 details are correct.

Each pay stub gives you a proper account of what you earned and what went out to pay taxes and benefits in that pay period.

Lenders and landlords also want proof of income when you are asking them to lend you money or rent our houses. These important documents reveal your income and work security. Pay stubs also help you notice errors in the payroll and confirm direct deposit amounts.

Basically, pay stubs are your personal records, and they give you the financial information you need. With this, it’s clear that how to get old pay stubs from previous employer is a question that needs answers.

Read more: Where and How To Access Pay Stubs From Your Job

How To Access Pay Stubs From Previous Employer

Now, let’s talk about the main methods for how to get pay stubs from previous employer. Here are some ways you can obtain pay stubs from your former employer:

1. Contact Your Former Employer's Human Resources Department

The simplest way to get pay stubs from previous employer is to get in touch with them. You can do this by reaching out to their payroll department or HR department. Most companies maintain records of their employee pay stubs over a period of years. This is because they have to comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act and state laws that require record-keeping.

Call or email the payroll department or the human resources department. Let them know that you are a former employee and you need copies of your pay stubs. Before picking up the phone, you need to have some information handy. For example, your old employee ID number, the period you worked there, and your partial Social Security number.

Many employers can handle such cases in a matter of days. Remember to let the HR or payroll department know the pay stubs you need. Maybe your last paycheck stub or even previous pay stubs from a different pay period. 

2. Access Old Pay Stubs Through the Online Payroll System

Many employers now have online payroll systems where their employees get the necessary pay details. Some of these online payroll systems let former employees access pay stubs for a short time after leaving. But the retention period will depend on the policy of the company.

If your previous employer had an employee website or payroll portal, you may be able to log in and download pay stubs. Try logging into your old employer’s payroll service website or employee portal with your previous credentials. Some companies may send you a new set of credentials after you leave. This allows you to have digital access to your old pay stubs.

If that doesn’t work or you forgot the login details already, you can then reach out to the HR department. 

3. Request Physical Copies of Your Pay Stubs From Human Resources

If there’s no way to get your pay stubs online, you can request physical copies from the human resources department. Send the HR department a formal request, preferably through email.

Give them all the necessary details. Your name, employee ID, the dates you worked there, and your mailing address. They may also ask you to verify with the last four digits of your Social Security number. Let them know the pay stubs you need and the pay periods.

Many employers can give you an electronic copy free of charge, but some charge you to send a physical copy. The process can take one to three weeks. Keep the copies of all written communication in case you need to follow up.

Also read: Do Pay Stubs Have Social Security Number?

Other Ways To Obtain Pay Stubs Without Last Employer

Sometimes, standard methods for how to get pay stubs from previous employer may not work. Here are some alternatives to get your pay stubs.

1. Contact the Payroll Service for Digital Copies

If your former employer was using an external payroll company or payroll service, you can reach out to them directly. Explain that you're a former employee, and you need to get your past pay stubs. They may be able to help, but usually, they need to be authorized by the company.

2. Request Further Assistance From the State Labor Office

If your previous employer doesn’t respond, reach out to your state labor office or your state's labor department. They can help you enforce your rights. The state labor office may even have records of wage information that employers submitted to them. A wage statement from the state can also help you with basic verification while you wait for further assistance.

Also check: Paystub template to easily create accurate stubs

What to Do If You Cannot Get Your Pay Stubs With Employee Information

Sometimes obtaining pay stubs from previous employers may prove difficult. Here are some alternatives for how to get pay stubs from previous employer:

Use Pay Stub Generators

You can use pay stub generators to make your own pay stubs. However, you should be careful and use only legitimate ones. Also, ensure you input correct information, because using fabricated pay stubs is illegal. Only use pay stub generators if you have accurate records and never misrepresent your income. 

Try Bank Account Records and Direct Deposit History

Bank statements cannot replace pay stubs, but they can help verify direct deposit amounts and dates. Bank statements that show deposits can also serve as proof of income. However, this depends on what you need it for. Reach out to the institution and explain your situation. They may let you know if they accept other alternatives to pay stubs for verification purposes.

Seek Help From Professional Networks

Consider reaching out to professional networks. For example, employment attorneys or financial advisors. Some of them can help you get through difficult situations with past employers.

Check out: Create pay stubs in minutes using our paystub generator

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to get pay stubs from previous employer, you can take the right steps. Before taking the next steps on how to get check stubs from old job, make sure you have the necessary documents you need handy. Always keep proper personal records, so you have your documents whenever you need them.

If you ask, “How can I get my pay stubs from an old job?”, you should know that you can also create yours. With the right details and our paystub creator, you can get your pay stubs in minutes.