The Earned Wage Access (EWA) provided by Rain does not change how payroll runs. It adds one deduction line item, imported before payroll processes, that repays wages an employee already accessed early. Tax withholding, direct deposit and payroll timing all stay the same. The employer remains the employer of record and the wage payer throughout.

What is earned wage access?

Earned wage access lets employees draw on wages they've already earned before payday, instead of waiting for the full pay cycle to end. It's typically offered through an employer benefit, delivered by an app, and repaid automatically through payroll rather than a separate loan or transfer.

Does earned wage access change payroll's process?

No. Rain's model integrates with an employer's HCM and time-and-attendance systems to calculate earned wages in near real time, based on hours already logged. That calculation runs independently of the payroll cycle, so payroll continues to process time, taxes and deductions exactly as it did before.

How are earned wage access deductions processed?

At the end of each pay period, Rain sends a payroll deduction file that details whatever employees accessed during that cycle. That file arrives before payroll runs, so it's imported and processed the same way any other pre-payroll deduction would be, alongside benefits contributions or garnishments. Taxes and standard deductions are then calculated against full wages, not just the amount that reached the employee early.

Do earned wage access deductions match an employee's pay stub?

Yes. Each employee sees a single deduction line item for whatever they accessed that period, and their deposit always matches what payroll calculated after that deduction. There's no manual reconciliation required.

Can an employee access more than they've earned?

No. Employees can access up to half of their gross wages earned in the current pay cycle. That cap means an employee can never access more than they've actually earned, and it rules out a zero paycheck on payday.

Does earned wage access cost the employer anything?

Rain's model is offered at zero cost to the employer. Employees who use it also avoid many of the fees tied to overdrafts or predatory short-term credit, saving roughly $600 a year, on average.

What does an employee actually do to access their pay?

Through the Rain App, an employee can see how much they've earned so far in the current cycle and transfer part of it, up to the 50% cap, to a bank account, debit card or pay card. No new account and no change to direct deposit is required. Transfers can arrive instantly for a small fee or via ACH in one to two business days at no cost.