"What is an auto-enrolment date, scheme join date and opt in date, and when should I include them in my data file?"

Auto-enrolment (AE) dates

Only Eligible employees should have an AE date in your data file. This is because they’re the only type of employees that are auto-enrolled.

Opt in dates

This is the date the employee asked to opt in to the pension scheme. Non-Eligible employees are those that have opted into the pension scheme, so should have an ‘Opt in date’.

Scheme join dates

This is the date the employee asked to join the pension scheme. Entitled jobholders have asked to join the pension scheme, so should have a ‘Scheme join date’.

File upload errors about AE, scheme join and opt in dates

There are a range of errors that you could see relating to these dates. These are covered in more depth within our ‘Troubleshooting error guide’.

Most of these can be fixed by checking the data in your file is correct. You should also make sure the employment start date, date of birth and file dates are correct. The file will error if you try to upload it with a date that is prior to any of these.

What if you’ve submitted a date in error?

If you’ve realised the date you’ve submitted isn’t right, please get in touch with us and we’ll be able to help.