NHRS is only a few weeks from the start of our transition to a new pension administration system.
As most of you are aware, the retirement system began the process of upgrading our software in 2019, moving from the current PensionGold Version 2 (PGV2) to PensionGold Version 3 (PGV3). Because the employer Data Reporting System (DRS) is a component of PensionGold, we have been providing employers with periodic updates over the past two-plus years.
Here are some important dates and information participating employers need to know:
- Parallel processing begins Monday, October 9. During parallel processing in October and November, NHRS is requiring employers to continue submitting their monthly active member reporting files using the current DRS, and to begin submitting their monthly active member information using the PGV3 version of the DRS, which has a different file layout. During October and November, the current system (PGV2) will remain the system of record.
- In advance of parallel processing, the data in both versions must be synced. As a result, the DRS will be unavailable from Wednesday, September 27, until Monday, October 9. A message will be posted on the DRS login page and the login function will be disabled during this period. (Note: Although insurance reporting is not part of parallel processing, access to the insurance reporting module will also be disabled during this time.)
- Employers should not submit September wage and contribution data and payments before October 9 – even if your last September pay period is early! Any files submitted early will be deleted and will need to be re-entered when the system opens in October.
- When reporting opens on October 9, links to both versions of the DRS will be available on the DRS login page: https://www.nhrs.org/employers/employer-resources/employer-reporting-system
- You will be using your current DRS username, password, and email address to set up your account in the new DRS. If you have recently changed your password in the current DRS, you may need to contact NHRS directly to set up the account. Step-by-step instructions to set up your account will be available here.
- Employers should prioritize reporting in PGV2 (the current system) and then submit their reporting in PGV3. Files must be submitted and posted in both systems by Monday, October 16.
- In December, NHRS will go live with PGV3; this will be the only version of the DRS you will use going forward.
Parallel processing is the only way to ensure that PGV3 is working as expected and generating the same information and calculations as PGV2. The two-month parallel period provides a final opportunity to identify and correct errors before PGV3 becomes the system of record. If the retirement system didn’t have a parallel processing period and programming errors were identified shortly after the switchover, reporting data in the new DRS would need to be resubmitted and processed, which could affect the timely delivery of benefits, refunds, and other critical processes.
NHRS realizes parallel processing entails extra work for our participating employers and we are committed to providing the training and support you need to successfully transition to the new DRS.