They say the best things in life are free, but if you see an extra $500 in your UMS paycheck, don’t be fooled; it’s just a loan you never applied for. Finding an overpayment is like discovering a premium channel has been added to your TV for free—until UMS shows up like a cable company to charge you for every movie you watched while you thought you were lucky.
Recent payroll errors within the University of Maine System (UMS) have led to frequent overpayments, resulting in significant financial distress for employees. While an extra-large deposit may seem like a win, UMS is aggressive in recouping any overpayment funds—often months after the fact. If you’ve already spent the money on bills or groceries, you may be left scrambling to cover the sudden debt. This debt often will come out of the next 1-3 paychecks, depending on the overpayment amount.
Due to ongoing overpayment issues, the UMPSA union strongly urges all staff to review their MaineStreet pay stubs on each monthly payday. Taking five minutes to verify your earnings is your best defense against administrative errors and forced repayment plans.
Quick Verification Checklist:
- Does your pay align with previous monthly salary amounts?
- Are your insurance, retirement, and dues deductions consistent with your elections?
- If your take-home pay is unexpectedly high, do not spend the excess.
If you spot a discrepancy, report it immediately to UMS Payroll and your UMPSA representative. Early documentation creates a vital paper trail and helps prevent the stress of a sudden, aggressive recoupment. It’s always best to repay the overpayment as soon as you notice it on your pay stub.