Why we asked you to confirm a paycheck: your 401(k) deduction is larger than your pay
Last updated: August 27, 2026
Applies to: US W-2 employees enrolled in the 401(k). Independent contractors, Canadian T4 employees and international workers are not in this plan and won’t receive this message.
Summary: If you get an email headed "Action required: 401(K) exceeds pay", it means the 401(k) amount you elected is bigger than the pay on one particular paycheck — usually because you worked only a few hours in that period. Nothing is wrong with your account, and your ongoing election has not changed. We just need you to tell us how to handle that one paycheck.
Why it happens
Your 401(k) election is a fixed amount or percentage per pay period. On a short week — a couple of hours, a single call-out, a final partial period — that election can be more than the pay available after taxes. The deduction can’t be taken, so the paycheck can’t be finalised until you choose what to do.
This is a one-paycheck question. It does not mean you have been unenrolled, and it does not change what comes out of future paychecks.
Your options for that paycheck
Process it with no 401(k) contribution. The paycheck is paid out normally, minus taxes, with nothing going to the plan for that period.
Give us a smaller contribution amount for that paycheck only. Reply with the dollar amount you want deducted. Bear in mind taxes also come out of the same pay, so the amount has to leave room for those.
Reply to the email, or write to support@ascen.com, with your choice and we’ll process it. Until we hear from you the paycheck stays on hold, so a quick answer gets you paid sooner.
What we can’t do
We can’t advise you on how much to contribute. That’s a personal financial decision and depends on things we don’t have visibility into. If you want guidance, speak to a tax or financial professional, or contact your plan’s member services — the contact details are on your enrollment paperwork and your pay stub.
Checking or changing your election
To see what you’re currently contributing: log in at app.ascen.com and open Paychecks — the deduction is itemised on each pay stub.
To change it going forward, or to stop contributing: see How to Update Your 401(k) Contribution. Changes are made by emailing support@ascen.com and normally take effect from your next payroll cycle.
If you don’t remember enrolling: we can tell you the date you enrolled and when deductions started. Email support@ascen.com and ask.