Retention Date: 01/14/2027
Background:
We recently discovered a discrepancy related to the PCOM display of the Earnings Alert Queries (EARQ) and the web application, Earnings Query System (EQS). Any retirement insurance benefits (RIB) iClaim that has an EARQ is currently ineligible for Straight Through Processing (STP). As part of the STP process, a new EARQ Application Programming Interface (API) was introduced to flag claims in Consolidated Claims Experience (CCE) with EARQs, which would then need to be developed and resolved manually by a technician.
Issue:
Since the API went into production in late April, we have discovered that the STP application is flagging claims with EARQs that are not visible when using the legacy EARQ system in PCOM.
This discrepancy is due to the new EQS application being stricter than the PCOM legacy system. Specifically, the PCOM legacy system does not flag multiple earnings alerts when the earnings are less than 75% of each other, whereas the EQS identifies alerts regardless of the 75% threshold. As a result, EARQs are being flagged as part of the STP process but are not visible when a user attempts to develop the alert in PCOM.
Resolution:
The EQS will be updated to operate in the same manner as the PCOM legacy system to adher to the current Earnings Alert policy. In the interim, please continue to use the legacy PCOM application until further notice.
Direct all program-related and technical questions to your management.
Reference:
SM 00355.060 - Description of Multiple FICA Postings