In an effort to ensure that contribution & loan repayments are error-free, Vestwell applies a number validation rules to each contribution. Validation errors are flagged for review and action directly in the portal. In some cases, validations may identify un-allowable contributions. In those cases, the un-allowable contributions are flagged so that the sponsor can remedy the issue or return funds to participants, as appropriate.
In this article, we are are focusing on contributions processed using the Vestwell portal. We will review the portal experience when validation errors occur. We will also provide a breakdown of the validations that occur with common resolution steps.
Validation Errors on the Contribution Grid
Vestwell evaluates contribution data for incomplete/invalid data directly in the contribution grid.
If you are manually entering contributions & loan payments into the contribution grid, required fields, as well as invalid data within a field will highlight red as you enter data. You won't be able to proceed in submitting your contribution until all red fields are eliminated.
If you've uploaded a contribution file into Vestwell, fields that have triggered an error will be highlighted in red. An error counter will display the number of errors on the screen that require your action. The error counter will reduce as you resolve validation errors. As long as any errors are detected, the "Send and Validate" button will be grey and disabled.
On the contribution grid, the data is evaluated in multiple steps. You must work through all red highlighted fields, until the error counter is zero (0), then press the blue "Send & Validate" button. Each time you press "Send & Validate" the system evaluates the data for additional errors, until none remain.
For each error displayed in the grid, you have the option to resolve/correct the data issue directly on screen. If you don't have the information to resolve the error, you can choose to exclude the row instead.
If you choose to "Exclude Row" any contribution associated to that row will be unallowed and removed from the contribution.
On the Review Submission page, you will see a final recap of any excluded contributions in section called "Contribution Adjustments - Action Needed". You will only see this if you excluded a row that had a contribution associated with it.
At any time in this process, you can choose to cancel or edit the submission if you find that the contribution adjustment was the result of a typo or other clerical error.
Employers are responsible for taking action to, either, 1) resolve the contribution error and re-submit the impacted contributions; OR 2) refund money to the employee if the deduction was taken in error or the contribution cannot be completed.
Summary of Vestwell Contribution Grid Validations
|
Validation |
Logic |
Portal |
Sample |
|
Missing SSN |
SSN is missing from submission |
UI Validation occurs
Action Options: Sponsor must enter a properly formatted SSN or exclude row to continue. |
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|
Bad SSN format |
SSN is not properly formatted with 9 digits |
UI Validation occurs Action options: Sponsor must update to a properly formatted SSN or exclude row to continue. |
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Invalid SSN |
Invalid SSN: - all same digits - 0s in positions 1-3 or 4-5 or 6-9 - 123-45-6789 - 987-65-4321
|
UI Validation occurs Action options: Sponsor must update to a valid SSN or exclude row to continue. |
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|
Duplicate SSN |
More than 1 record on submission with the same SSN |
UI Validation occurs Action options: Sponsor may only have one unique SSN record remaining to continue. At least one record must be excluded. |
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Missing names |
First name or last name is missing from submission (SSN and names are always required) |
UI Validation occurs Action options: Sponsor must enter a name or exclude row to continue.
|
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|
Unrealistic DOB |
DOB does not fall into 10 to 100 year old age range |
UI Validation occurs Sponsor must enter a valid date or select the current DB value to continue. |
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Bad DOB format |
DOB is not in a valid date format |
UI Validation occurs Sponsor must enter a valid date or exclude row to continue. |
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|
Unrecognized Employee |
SSN on the submission does not match to anyone in the plan |
UI Validation occurs Sponsor must add the participant or exclude row to continue. |
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|
Bad DOH format - required field |
Date is not in a valid date format |
UI Validation occurs Sponsor may enter a new day, exclude the row OR if we have record of a DOH, that date will be presented as an option. |
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|
Bad DORH format Bad DOT format - Optional fields |
Date is not in a valid date format |
Message on validation: Invalid {type of date} date format 2 cases: when we had a date from before and when we did not UI Validation occurs - Must enter a valid date |
Example coming soon |
|
Bad Zip and Bad State |
Zip or State fields are not properly formatted |
UI Validation occurs - Must enter a valid format for zip code (5 digit or 9 digits with or without dash) - Must be a valid 2 character abbreviation or full state name. |
Bad Zip Format |
|
Bad contribution format |
A negative contribution. Other non-number values get normalized into Null Values with more than 2 decimal places get rounded to 2 decimal places |
UI Validation: ensure that a positive number is entered |
Example Coming Soon |
If you have any questions, please reach out to us at clientsuccess@vestwell.com.