Frequently Asked Questions
Below you'll find many of the common questions we’ve been asked.
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Employer FAQs
How Do I Contact Delaware EARNS?
To contact support, please call (855) 934-3701 or email clientservices@earnsdelaware.com.
What is considered to be a qualified, employer-sponsored retirement plan?
An employer-sponsored retirement plan includes a plan qualified under Internal Revenue Code sections 401(a) (including a 401(k) plan), qualified annuity plan under section 403(a), tax-sheltered annuity plan under section 403(b), Simplified Employee Pension plan under section 408(k), a SIMPLE IRA plan under section 408(p), or governmental deferred compensation plan under section 457(b). It does not include payroll deduction IRAs.
Can I have a designated employee or payroll services provider complete the registration process?
You can invite a payroll representative to help you facilitate this process. Your payroll representative can be an admin, a teammate, or even your bookkeeper or payroll administrator. Simply add your payroll representatives as a teammate in your EARNS account to allow them to manage your employee list and process payroll if they do not require an integration.
The employer portal seamlessly integrates with many leading payroll providers. If you don’t currently use an external payroll provider, or if they’re not interested in an integration, the process to manually upload payroll contributions is quick and simple.
If I offer EARNS to my employees now and then decide to offer a qualified retirement plan later, what do I do?
Employers that choose to introduce a qualified retirement plan after enrolling employees in the EARNS program should exempt your business. You can find more information about this process here.
What if my payroll company won't help me administer EARNS?
You can still offer EARNS to your employees on your own with no complex administration—easily making it a part of your own payroll process. Watch this video to see how facilitating the program involves minimal steps and allows you to focus on your business.
Are workers of only certain immigration statuses eligible for the program? What about undocumented workers?
Only workers with a verifiable Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) or Social Security number (SSN) can participate in the program. If a worker's information cannot be verified, the worker will not be enrolled, and an account will not be established for him or her.
Saver FAQs
How do I set up my EARNS account online after I’m enrolled?
If you choose to participate, set up your account here and follow the on-screen instructions.
How are my contributions made?
Every pay period, your employer will deduct your contribution from your paycheck, based on your set savings rate, and will send your contribution to your personal EARNS account. You can also make your own contributions through your bank account or by check, using a paper mail-in form.
Will services be available in other languages?
Yes, the call center will offer assistance in English and Spanish, with access to translation services for other languages.
Is there a limit to how much I can contribute?
Yes, contribution limits for IRAs are set by the federal government. For 2024, you can save up to $7,000 per year if you’re younger than 50 and $8,000 per year if you’re 50 or older, as long as you have earned at least that much. If you contribute to a Roth IRA, you must also meet certain income levels based on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). This contribution limit applies to all IRAs you may have (both traditional and Roth IRAs with the State and elsewhere).
Is my contribution pre-tax or post-tax?
Contributions to EARNS accounts are made on a post-tax basis. The percentage contributed is based on your gross income earned (the amount you make before any taxes or deductions have been taken out) with your facilitating employer. If you also contribute to a traditional IRA, those contributions may be deductible on your tax return. It may be best to consult with a tax professional to determine what you can or cannot deduct.
I’m self-employed. Can I set up my own EARNS account?
Yes, if you are 18 or older, have earned income, are employed in Delaware, and are eligible to contribute to an IRA, you can open your own retirement account with EARNS here. You can set up automatic contributions through your bank account or contribute by check using a mail-in paper form after your account has been set up.