Synopsis
This guide shows you how to:
Pull the employee deferral report in John Hancock so you can update payroll.
Submit a manual contribution after payroll is finalized.
Who this helps
The plan sponsor payroll contact responsible for updating payroll deductions and submitting 401(k) contributions in John Hancock.
Part 1: Pull the deferral report (so you can update payroll)
Before you start
Have your John Hancock plan sponsor login.
Know whether you need a current snapshot of elections (for payroll setup) or a fresh download after employees make changes.
Step-by-step
Log in to the John Hancock plan sponsor portal.
In the top right, open Quick Links.
Select Deferrals.
Review the deferral rates listed for employees.
Export or download the report (if available).
If you do not see an export option, take a screenshot or copy the deferral rates into your payroll setup tracker.
What to verify before updating payroll
The correct employees are included (eligible employees only).
Opt-outs show a 0% or “no deferral” (as applicable).
Pre-tax vs Roth elections are reflected correctly.
Percent vs dollar elections are reflected correctly (if your plan allows dollar elections).
Part 2: Submit contributions (after payroll runs)
Before you start (what you should have ready)
Payroll date.
Total contribution amounts (employee + employer, if applicable).
Per-employee contribution amounts.
Confirmation that deferrals were withheld in payroll.
Two ways to submit contributions to John Hancock
You can submit your contributions either by creating the submission online or by uploading a file through the plan sponsor portal.
Your portal URL may differ based on plan setup.
Standard: ps.jhancockpensions.com
New York: ps.jhancocknypensions.com
Option 1: Create your contribution submission using John Hancock’s online tools
Log in to the plan sponsor portal.
Click Go to tools.
Click Submit a file.
From Submission history, select Create a new contribution submission.
On Edit submission details, review and complete the three sections:
Submission summary
For your first submission, the payroll date may be prefilled and not editable.
Leave Submission type as Regular contribution.
Payment information
Select the payroll operating account (often shown as Your operating account).
Enter the total contribution amount (employee + employer, if applicable).
Note: a John Hancock cash account may not be available for the first contribution.
Participant submission details
Enter per-participant amounts in the appropriate columns.
Hover over contribution code acronyms (for example, EEDEF, EEMAN, S/HGR) for definitions.
Confirm the Participant totals ($) matches the total entered under Payment information.
Click Submit.
Save the confirmation for your records.
Option 2: Upload your own contribution file
Log in to the plan sponsor portal.
Click Go to tools.
From Submission history, select Upload a contribution file.
If you create your own file, ensure it matches the John Hancock file specifications (found in the portal tools area).
On the Upload a contribution file page:
Enter the payment date.
Enter the payment amount.
Select the appropriate bank account.
Click Send to upload the file.
Click OK to confirm.
Save the confirmation for your records.
Future tips
After the first contribution, you can usually start from Make a contribution on the portal homepage.
To speed up entry, use Copy my last contribution from Submission history to prefill participant data.
If you still need manual entry (no file upload)
If your portal is configured for manual contribution entry (instead of creating a submission online or uploading a file):
Log in to the John Hancock plan sponsor portal.
Navigate to the Contributions or Payroll area (naming varies by portal setup).
Select Add contribution or Submit contribution.
Choose Manual entry (not file upload), if prompted.
Enter:
Payroll date
Per-employee contribution amounts
Employer match / employer contributions (if applicable)
Confirm totals.
Submit and save the confirmation page or confirmation email for your records.
Timing reminders
Submit contributions as soon as payroll is finalized.
Do not batch multiple payrolls into one submission.
For plans with fewer than 100 participants, the Department of Labor provides a 7-business-day safe harbor for submitting employee contributions.
Troubleshooting
If you cannot find Deferrals under Quick Links, confirm you are in the plan sponsor (admin) experience and not a participant view.
If you cannot locate manual contribution submission, contact your John Hancock rep or your TPA for the exact navigation for your plan setup.
Related resources
John Hancock first contribution submission guide: