Frequently Asked Questions for ACH/Electronic Payments
Am I required to remit electronic payments to OP&F?
Yes. OP&F only accepts electronic payments.
What electronic payment options does OP&F offer?
ACH Debit and ACH Credit payments.
What is the ACH Debit option?
An ACH Debit is a type of electronic payment where funds are pulled form a bank account. The payer authorizes OP&F to take the payment from their account. ACH Debit is the preferred payment method of OP&F. Employers initiate an ACH Debit payment through Employer Self-Serve Web (ESS).
How do I setup an ACH Debit payment?
To setup an ACH Debit payment, complete the Authorization for ACH Debits form. Email the completed form to Deven Winski, Financial Reporting Supervisor, at dwinski@op-f.org. This form is located on the OP&F website. The set-up is completed within five business days and a confirmation email will be sent.
What is the ACH Credit option?
An ACH Credit is a type of electronic payment where funds are pushed into OP&F’s bank account. The payer initiates the funds to be sent to OP&F.
What payment types must be made by electronic payment through OP&F?
All payment types including monthly pension contributions, payroll deduction contributions, accrued liability, military leave granting, terminal pay and penalties and interest payments must be made by electronic payment.
Do I need to submit an Employer Payment Remittance form for all electronic payments to OP&F?
Yes. An Employer Payment Remittance form must be submitted through ESS for all electronic payments.
Can I make payments from multiple bank accounts?
Yes. Please submit a separate signed Authorization for ACH Debits form for each account.
How far in advance can I schedule a payment?
You can assign an effective date for the payment up to 60 days into the future.
Can I make changes to or cancel a payment after I’ve scheduled it in ESS?
Yes. If the payment has not been posted, it can be canceled and a new payment can be set up.
Can I access a history of my payments?
Yes. To access a history of your payments, including the date and amount of the payment, log into ESS and go to Review Payment History under Menu.
Do I have to schedule my electronic payment at the same time I submit my work history report?
No. These two processes can be done separately if you choose.
I have both a police and fire report, can I schedule an electronic payment for each report?
Yes. Multiple payments can be made from the same and/or from different bank accounts.
I have Debit-Blocker in place with my bank account. What information do I need to provide to my bank?
If a Debit-Blocker is in place on your bank account, it may be necessary to provide the following data to your bank: 1-31-0718368
Does OP&F run an ACH banking “Test” transaction?
No. OP&F does not run a pre-note, test transaction. You can initiate a pre-note transaction for one cent to verify the bank account and routing number information are accurate. To ensure that your initial payment is completed timely and accurately, OP&F recommends that you submit payment well in advance of any due dates. This will ensure compliance with the Ohio Revised Code if any problems or errors occur during the processing of payments.
Can I schedule a same day payment?
No. You cannot schedule a same day payment. Also, you cannot schedule a payment on a banking holiday or weekend date. Federal banking holidays are posted on the OP&F website.
What is the cutoff time to schedule a payment to be drawn from my account tomorrow?
For payments scheduled before 4:30 pm, you have the ability to choose the next business day as your payment posting date. If the payment is scheduled after 4:30 pm, it will not be posted until the 2nd business day following the request.
When are my payments due?
Payments must be received into OP&F’s bank account by the due dates established under the Ohio Revised Code (ORC). Payment due dates can be found on the OP&F website.
How will I know that the payment has been processed?
If you can access your banking detail online, this would be the easiest way to confirm payment. Otherwise, you can review your bank account statement to confirm the payment has been made.