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Errors with my PAPDIS file

Common Errors when uploading a PAPDIS file and how to fix them

Uploading a PAPDIS file and seeing a “Fail” status? Don’t worry, it usually means there’s a small formatting issue to fix.

Here are the most common error messages you might see, what they mean, and how to sort them.

1. Error: The Employer ID on the submission is not the correct one for this company

What it means:
The employer ID in column C of your PAPDIS file doesn’t match the one for the selected company account.

How to fix it:

  • Make sure you’re uploading the file to the right company account.

  • If the account is correct, check the company dashboard for the right employer ID.

  • Update column C with the correct ID, save the file, and upload again.

2. Error: Group is missing

What it means:
Column D in your file is blank – and this column can’t be empty.

How to fix it:

  • Add a group name in column D for each record.

  • If you don’t use groups, just enter default (in lowercase) for each row.

3. Error: National Insurance number format is wrong

What it means:
There’s an invalid NI number in column R.

How to fix it:

  • Double-check and correct the NI number.

  • If you don’t have a valid one (or if it’s temporary), delete the number from the file and try again.

4. Error: We do not recognise the name of the header(s)

What it means:
There’s a column header in your file that doesn’t match the required format.

How to fix it:

  • The error message will tell you which header isn’t right.

  • Update the header to match the correct naming.

  • Save and upload again.

5. Error: A header is missing

What it means:
One of the required headers isn’t included in your file.

How to fix it:

  • Check the error message to see which header is missing.

  • Add that header and any relevant data to your file.

  • Save and re-upload.

6. Error: The allowed file types are text/plain and text/CSV

What it means:
Your file is saved in the wrong format.

How to fix it:

  • Resave the file as a CSV (Comma Delimited) file – with the .csv extension.

  • Then try uploading again.

One last thing

Remember to also update the company’s payroll software. That way, the next time you generate a PAPDIS file for that client, the same issue won’t come up again.

Still stuck?

We’ve got your back. Thrive Support is here to help you and your clients get everything sorted.

Contact Thrive Support