How to Get Proof of Employment: An Extensive Guide

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One in five American jobs is now a contract position. Part of the rising “gig economy,” contract jobs can be a good fit for both employers and workers.

The gears of society and culture are slow to change, however. This can create challenging situations for those on the frontlines. Figuring out how to get proof of employment when you work in a non-traditional job is a prime example. 

Keep reading to learn how to get employment verification when you don’t get a standard paystub. 

What Is Proof of Employment?

What is proof of employment and when you do need it? Put simply, proof of employment is any legal evidence that you hold down a job and are bringing in income. 

Historically, employees haven’t had to worry very much about the question of how to get proof of employment. Traditional jobs routinely come with paystubs, employee ID cards, and other clear evidence of employment. Pay stubs and employee ID cards were, and often still are, routinely accepted as proof of employment for most purposes.

When You Need Proof of Employment 

Why would you need to prove that you’re employed? As it turns out, there are several reasons or occasions for which you might need to prove employment. 

Applying for New Employment

Employers have a vested interest in making sure that you are who you say you are when they hire you. Checking through social media personal assessment and other means to make sure you are currently employed where you say you are protects them from would-be employee fraud. 

Applying for Public Assistance 

Most public assistance programs have some form of income-based selection criteria. To be eligible for enrollment, your household income must fall at or below a certain percentage of the Federal poverty level (FPL).

For example, to qualify for the 2020 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, formerly referred to as food stamps, you must have a household income at or below 130 percent of the FPL. 

Other assistance programs require that participants consistently work or volunteer in order to become and remain eligible for benefits. 

Legal Disputes 

Proof of employment and income can be a contentious part of legal disputes such as divorce and child support cases. Courts may require proof of employment and income on which to base their decisions. 

Credit Checks

If you want to rent an apartment, apply for a mortgage, or buy a car you can bet that the party doing the leasing, lending, or selling will ask for proof of employment. They want to make sure that you will have the money to pay them what you’ve promised before they sign on the bottom line. 

Work Visas

Most countries require proof of employment before they will issue you a work visa and other related legal documents. Verifying your employment helps them ensure that they know who is in the country and why and can prevent fraudulent immigration.

How to Get Proof of Employment 

In traditional jobs, proof of employment is typically as simple as providing copies of your pay stubs. Some authorities only need to see one. Others will want to see several weeks or months worth to assure themselves of your employment. 

But what happens when you work a non-traditional job? It can take a little more work, but proving employment in the gig economy is entirely doable. 

Contracts

Freelancers and contract workers typically have some form of contract laying out the specifics of their employment. Contracts are typically regarded as acceptable proof of employment as long as they include:

  • Your name
  • Your employer’s business name and contact information
  • The date your employment went into effect
  • The date your employment will end (if known)
  • The terms under which you will be paid

Proof of Employment Form

A proof of employment form is a simple form letter that your employer fills out and signs. Typically, it includes:

  • Your name and your employer’s business name
  • Your occupation and title
  • When you started working for the company
  • Your hourly rate and average number of hours per week or annual salary

Verification Service

Somewhat rarely, creditors or prospective employers may use a verification service to check your employment status. These services are similar to background checks but specialize only in verifying employment and income information. 

Verification services are always paid for by the party seeking verification, but you may be required to provide the initial information to be verified. 

References

Equally rarely, companies and creditors may accept a list of references at your current place of employment instead of a formal letter. Typically, these references must be persons in positions of authority, such as your boss or an HR representative. Only these people will have access to the information necessary to verbally verify your employment. 

Generating Paystubs 

In many cases, the easiest route for everyone is for employers to use pay stub generator free services. These convenient, easy-to-use systems allow employers to quickly produce legal paystubs that can serve as proof of job and employment for both themselves and their employees. 

The paystubs generated by free pay stub generators are accepted everywhere that more traditional company-issued pay stubs are and serve all of the same purposes. 

If you are not currently receiving pay stubs, you may want to approach your employer about beginning to issue them. Asking and starting the process well in advance is the easiest and most efficient way to ensure that you have pay stubs when you need them to prove your employment. 

Proof of Employment Made Easy

Now that you know how to get proof of employment quickly and easily, you can breathe a little easier. Check out the rest of my site for other tips and tricks that can make your life run more smoothly and less stressfully today!

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