Guide

Why did my paycheck change?

Your paycheck can change because gross pay, federal withholding, FICA, benefits, retirement contributions, or one-time earnings changed. Compare the paystub lines before assuming payroll made a mistake.

Fast checklist

• Check whether gross pay changed.
• Compare Federal Income Tax withholding.
• Check Social Security and Medicare lines.
• Look for health insurance, FSA, HSA, or retirement deduction changes.
• Check whether the new year restarted deductions or wage-base calculations.

Use the calculator

Open the Paycheck Change Checker to annualize the difference and get a paystub comparison list.

Last updated

May 17, 2026.