What differentiates a Statement of Pay from an earnings statement?

The Statement of Pay is distinct from an earnings statement primarily because it provides a record of any liens or legal obligations that have been resolved or paid on behalf of the employee. This includes information related to various obligations, such as garnishments or child support, which can affect an employee's overall financial picture.

In contrast, an earnings statement typically focuses on the financial transactions related to an employee's earnings, including wages, bonuses, and deductions, but does not usually contain information about liens. This makes the Statement of Pay a more comprehensive document regarding an employee's liabilities that have been addressed during a specific pay period, encompassing aspects of their financial responsibilities beyond just earnings and deductions.

This difference highlights the broader scope of the Statement of Pay when comparing it to the more narrowly focused earnings statement that centers primarily on earnings and deductions alone.