New hires will not be able to access the system. The second component of the system will make it convenient for interested parties such as mortgage lenders and credit card companies to call an 800 number to confirm the employment status of a prospective client. Under current TxDOT regulations, an employee needing verification information from payroll must fill out various forms and requests before the information can be released. The process is paper-intensive and can take 45 minutes to an hour. Through IVR technology, employees give companies the 800 number and an access code.
Companies call the number and use the access code to obtain the verification by phone.
A hard copy can be obtained through various media, including electronic or postal mail or fax. All paperwork, account maintenance, processing disbursements and issuing participant statements of accounts, are duties performed by SFG Benefits. In order to make account information more accessible, SFG Benefits maintains the In Touch System. The 800 number allows plan participants to check last transactions posted to the account, and the current value of the investments. The telephone line is accessible 24 hours a day, six days a week, and also allows callers to reallocate investments and make loan requests.