This article explains how to add a bonus for a Deel Employee (Employer of Record), either in the regular payroll cycle or off-cycle, and which cut-off dates apply.
In this article
Add a bonus in the payroll cycle
Pay a bonus off-cycle with On-Demand Payroll
Overview
This article explains how to add a bonus for a Deel Employee (Employer of Record), either in the regular payroll cycle or off-cycle, and which cut-off dates apply.
For an overview of the On-Demand Payroll feature, review Guide to on-demand payroll payments for employees.
Before you begin
You must:
- Have permission to add items to the employee’s contract.
- Know the bonus amount. If the employee must receive a specific net amount, you also add a gross-up request (see Step 1).
Choose how to pay the bonus
| Option | Use it when | When the employee is paid |
|---|---|---|
| In-cycle bonus | You add the bonus before the payroll cut-off date. | In the next payroll cycle. |
| In-cycle bonus added after the cut-off | You add the bonus after the cut-off date and do not need it paid sooner. | In the following payroll cycle. |
| Off-cycle bonus (On-Demand Payroll) | The bonus cannot wait for the next payroll cycle, for example, you missed the cut-off date. | Outside the regular cycle, after Deel processes the request. A separate fee invoice applies. |
Payroll cut-off dates
- For dozens of countries with monthly payroll, the cut-off date is the 20th of the month.
- For countries with two payroll cycles a month, the cut-off dates are the 4th and 20th of the month.
- The cut-off time for bonuses and other payments is 23:59 Pacific Standard Time (USA).
- Weekends do not move the cut-off date.
The cut-off date can differ by country. Check the payroll calendar for the employee’s country before you add the bonus.
Add a bonus in the payroll cycle
Step 1 - Submit the bonus as an adjustment
- Open the employee’s contract and select the option to add an adjustment (Bonus, Expense or Allowance).
- Choose Bonus as the adjustment type and enter the bonus amount.
- If the employee must receive a specific net amount, write “to be grossed up” in the description field.
- Submit the adjustment.
Step 2 - Check the cut-off date
- If you submit the bonus before the payroll cut-off date, it is included in the next payroll cycle.
- If you submit it after the cut-off date, it is paid in the following payroll cycle.
Signing bonuses
A signing bonus is paid with the employee’s first paycheck, so it follows the standard payroll cycle for that country. When you create the contract, you can turn on the Gross Signing Bonus option so the bonus is paid in the employee’s first payroll cycle.
Pay a bonus off-cycle with On-Demand Payroll
Use On-Demand Payroll (ODP) when a bonus is added after the cut-off date and cannot wait for the next payroll cycle. ODP is available only in some countries and for some worker types, legal entities, and payroll setups.
Step 1 - Add the bonus and get it approved
- Submit the bonus as an adjustment (see the in-cycle workflow above).
- Approve all pending items first. Only approved items can be included in an On-Demand Payroll request.
Step 2 - Create the On-Demand Payroll request
- In the left sidebar, expand People, then select Directory, and open the employee.
- Select Payments, expenses & work submissions.
- Open Add item in the upper-right corner and select Create On-Demand Payroll.
- Select the approved bonus under Existing items and complete the flow.
For the full step-by-step flow, including what to do when Create On-Demand Payroll is not available, see How to request an On-Demand Payroll payment for an employee.
Good to know:
- You cannot schedule an ODP request for a future date. It is sent to Deel for processing when you complete the in-app flow.
- The On-Demand Payroll option is not available while the client has unpaid invoices. Pay all outstanding invoices first.
- Only one ODP request per employee can be processed at a time.
- After Deel processes the request and sends the payment, you receive a separate invoice for the ODP fee.
- A bonus paid through ODP can include deductions that Deel adds automatically from the employee’s regular payroll setup, such as retirement or benefit contributions. These are not mandatory and can be edited or removed before you submit, so the employee does not always receive the full gross amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I add a bonus after the cut-off date?
The bonus is paid in the following payroll cycle. If it cannot wait, request an On-Demand Payroll payment.
Is a mandatory bonus, such as a 13th salary, added the same way?
No. Mandatory additional payments set by local law or collective bargaining agreements are paid according to the country's rules.
Who can request an On-Demand Payroll payment?
Only the client can submit it in the app. If the employee needs a payment off-cycle, ask them to contact you so you can submit the request.