### Payroll and Employment Information Updates For direct deposit changes, tax withholding adjustments, or employment status updates (promotions, department transfers, title changes): Select the "Payroll" or "Employment" tab from the ESS dashboard. For direct deposit updates, input new banking routing and account numbers, and upload a voided check or official bank confirmation letter for verification. For tax withholding changes, adjust federal, state, or city tax exemption claims as needed, then submit. For employment status updates, review auto-populated details shared by your department HR liaison, confirm accuracy, and upload any required supporting documentation such as a signed promotion letter or transfer notice. All payroll and employment updates require sign-off from your department HR representative, so processing typically takes 5 to 7 business days. ### Benefits Information Updates To add or remove dependents, change health insurance plans, or update retirement or life insurance beneficiaries: Navigate to the "Benefits" tab on the ESS dashboard, then select the relevant benefits category. For dependent updates, upload proof of dependency (birth certificate, marriage license, or adoption paperwork) for new dependents, or submit a removal request with a brief explanation for removals. For beneficiary updates, input new beneficiary contact information and distribution details, then submit. Most benefits changes are only allowed during the city’s annual open enrollment period, unless the update is tied to a qualifying life event such as marriage, the birth of a child, or loss of other health coverage; the portal will prompt you if your requested change qualifies for a mid-year adjustment. ## Troubleshooting and Additional Support If your ESS update submission is rejected, the rejection notice will specify the missing or incorrect documentation required; re-submit your request via the portal with the requested materials attached. For technical issues with the portal, account access problems, or questions about update eligibility, contact the city IT help desk via the official employee support line, or visit the in-person HR support center at 1401 JFK Boulevard, Philadelphia. All pending and completed update requests can be viewed at any time via the "My Requests" tab in the ESS portal, so you can track status without contacting HR directly.
Informational article
How to Update Your Info via OnePhilly ESS for Philadelphia City Staff
Philadelphia city staff can update personal, employment, and benefits information directly through the OnePhilly Employee Self-Service (ESS) portal, the official centralized platform for city employee record management. The process requires a valid city network login, navigation to the correct ESS module for the type of update needed, submission of required supporting documentation if applicable, and confirmation of the change once processed by HR, with most routine updates reflected in employee records within 3 to 5 business days. ## Accessing the OnePhilly ESS Portal The portal is accessible via the official city employee intranet on city-issued devices with no additional software required. Staff using personal or non-city devices must first connect to the city’s secure virtual private network (VPN) to protect sensitive employee data. Login credentials match standard city network credentials, using your employee ID and associated password. If you are locked out of your account, you can reset credentials via the city’s official IT help desk self-service portal, or visit the in-person HR support center at 1401 JFK Boulevard, Philadelphia during standard business hours for assistance. For staff unable to access the portal at all, update requests can be submitted in person at the HR support center or via the official city HR employee records email, though ESS submissions are processed faster than alternative submission methods. ## Common Update Types and Step-by-Step Submission Process Update workflows vary slightly based on the category of information being changed, with all submissions tracked automatically in the ESS system. ### Personal Information Updates (Address, Contact, Emergency Contacts) To update basic personal details: Log into OnePhilly ESS and select the "My Profile" tab from the main dashboard. Navigate to the "Personal Information" submenu, edit the relevant fields for your home address, phone number, personal email, or emergency contact details, and upload a copy of a valid government-issued ID with the updated information or a recent utility bill if changing your residential address. Submit the form, and you will receive an automated confirmation email with a unique tracking number for your request. HR will review the submission, and you will receive a second notification once the change is approved and reflected in official city records.