Build Auto-Enrolment Pension PAPDIS File (CSV)

Skill: Assemble payroll contribution data into a PAPDIS pension provider file

Region: United Kingdom Category: Social security / Pensions Does: Takes a payroll run's pension contribution data and assembles the PAPDIS (Pensions and Payroll Data Interface Standard) file for an auto-enrolment pension provider, carrying employer/employee details, contributions and enrolment status per the standard. Spec: PAPDIS v1.1 contribution/enrolment data standard — CSV (employer-to-provider interface under TPR auto-enrolment duties)

Transfers contribution and assessment data each pay period from payroll to the workplace pension provider (NEST, The People's Pension, Smart Pension, etc.). PAPDIS is an industry standard; column/field names below follow the PAPDIS file layout, not a verbatim schema.

When this applies

• An employer subject to automatic enrolment duties under the Pensions Act 2008 / The Pensions Regulator runs payroll and must send contributions to the scheme.
• Each pay reference period (weekly/monthly), reporting workers assessed as eligible jobholders, non-eligible jobholders or entitled workers.
• Used where the provider accepts the PAPDIS standard rather than a bespoke template.

Structure (payroll → PAPDIS file)

File header: PAPDIS version, employer/scheme identifiers, payroll run date
Per employee row (selected columns):
  EmployeeID, NINO, Title, Forename, Surname, DOB, Gender
  AddressLine1..PostCode, EmailAddress
  PayPeriodStartDate, PayPeriodEndDate, FrequencyCode (M1/W1...)
  PensionableEarnings, EmployerContributionAmount, EmployeeContributionAmount,
  AVCAmount, TaxReliefType (NPA / RAS)
  AEAssessmentCode (eligible/non-eligible/entitled), AEEventCode (enrol/opt-in/opt-out/cease),
  AEEventDate, OptOutWindowEndDate

Data rules

• Minimum contributions — total 8% of qualifying earnings (employer minimum 3%, employee balance) on the 2025/26 band (lower £6,240 / upper £50,270), unless the scheme uses a certified alternative basis.
• Tax relief basis — flag Net Pay Arrangement (NPA) vs Relief at Source (RAS); RAS contributions are net of 20% which the provider reclaims.
• GBP rounding — monetary amounts to 2 decimal places; contributions reconcile to the payroll deductions and employer journal.
• Assessment — AEAssessmentCode / AEEventCode must reflect the worker category and any opt-in/opt-out within the window.
• Identifiers — valid NINO where held; stable EmployeeID; scheme/employer reference matching the provider.

Worked example (outline)

Scheme NEST, employer EMP12345, run 2026-06-30 (monthly)
  E001, QQ123456C, Jane Smith, pensionable £2,200.00
    Employee £88.00, Employer £66.00, basis NPA
    AEAssessmentCode = Eligible, AEEventCode = (none, ongoing)

Uploaded to the pension provider's PAPDIS interface for the pay reference period.

Validation checklist

• One row per worker for the pay reference period; correct frequency code
• NINO, DOB, name, address present where required
• Contributions meet the 8% / employer 3% minimum on the qualifying band (or certified basis)
• NPA vs RAS tax-relief basis flagged correctly
• Assessment / event codes reflect worker category and opt-in/opt-out
• Amounts at 2 dp; reconcile to payroll deductions
• Scheme/employer identifiers match the provider's records

Last updated: 2026-06-04 — confirm the current schema/version, identifiers, rounding, and deadline against current authority (gov.uk/tpr / pension provider) guidance before use.