DOL Lost Earnings Calculator

Estimate VFCP lost earnings, compare profits, screen correction eligibility, inspect quarterly rates, and export detailed plan correction records for careful compliance review and documentation.

Important: This independent tool provides estimates only. It is not the official DOL calculator, and it does not complete a VFCP or SCC correction.
Embedded ordinary and large-loss rates currently end on September 30, 2026. Add reviewed custom rates before using later dates.

Calculation results

Results appear here after successful validation and calculation.

Plan and project information

These optional fields appear in saved projects and exported reports.

Optional

Lost-earnings transactions

Enter each pay period or transaction separately. Dates use the plan’s reviewed VFCP or SCC methodology.

CSV template
#DescriptionParticipant IDPay periodTypePrincipalLoss dateRecovery dateFinal paymentNotesActions

Restoration of profits comparison

Enable this only when a determinable profit resulted from using the principal amount.

The calculator compares restoration of profits against total lost earnings. It displays the greater amount.

Self-Correction Component screening

This checklist screens common SCC conditions. It never guarantees eligibility.

Screening only
The calculated result automatically tests the $1,000 limit and each 180-day remittance period.

Quarterly rate table

Review embedded rates or add future custom rates. Custom rows override matching embedded quarters.

Custom rate overrides
QuarterOrdinary %Large-loss %Source or noteAction
Embedded DOL rate history
QuarterStartEndOrdinaryLarge-loss
Only add custom rates after checking authoritative sources. The application marks them as user overrides.

Scenario comparison

Compare payment dates without changing your saved transaction rows.

Calculation assumptions

Record the reviewed basis for dates, allocations, and transaction treatment.

Project changes remain in this browser unless exported.

How the calculation works

The calculator estimates earnings unavailable to an employee benefit plan. Each transaction begins with a principal amount. The loss date starts the calculation period. The recovery date marks principal restoration. A later payment date adds interest on unpaid lost earnings.

Quarterly rates can change during one transaction. The engine divides each period by quarter. It also separates leap-year periods. Each segment uses daily compounding. The new balance continues into the next segment. This method follows published factor mathematics without storing thousands of factor values.

Large-loss recomputation

The ordinary calculation runs first. Total earnings above the program threshold trigger another calculation. Every transaction then uses large-corporate underpayment rates. Both summaries remain available for review. The final result clearly identifies the selected method.

Principal and earnings

The displayed earnings total excludes principal. Unpaid principal must be considered separately. The summary therefore shows both totals. This separation prevents users from mistaking earnings for the complete correction amount.

Restoration of profits

Some breaches create a determinable profit. Enter that profit and its realization date. The engine calculates interest through payment. It then compares profits against lost earnings. The greater amount is highlighted for review.

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter optional plan information for reporting.
  2. Add one row for every affected transaction.
  3. Confirm principal and all relevant dates.
  4. Enable profit calculations only when applicable.
  5. Complete SCC questions when considering self-correction.
  6. Review quarterly rates and custom overrides carefully.
  7. Calculate and inspect every warning.
  8. Export supporting schedules for professional review.

Formula used

Daily factor = (1 + annual rate ÷ days in year) ^ days − 1 Segment interest = beginning balance × daily factor Ending balance = beginning balance + segment interest Lost earnings = compounded principal − original principal Post-recovery interest = compounded lost earnings − lost earnings

Documentation practices

Keep payroll records, deposit evidence, and date support together. Retain calculation schedules and rate sources. Record who reviewed transaction classifications. Protect participant information during sharing. Use anonymous identifiers whenever names are unnecessary.

Professional review remains important for unusual transactions. Valuation issues may require qualified appraisals. Plan documents may affect participant allocations. Tax relief may require separate conditions. Official filing steps remain outside this calculator.

Careful records support faster reviews and stronger correction decisions.

Frequently asked questions

Does this tool submit a VFCP application?

No. It only prepares estimates and supporting schedules. Submission, notices, proof, signatures, and other official requirements remain separate.

Does the result include unpaid principal?

The earnings result excludes principal. A separate total adds principal for planning. Confirm which principal amounts were already restored.

Why must payroll periods stay separate?

Each period may have different principal and dates. Separate rows preserve accurate compounding and create clearer audit support.

What does the final payment date do?

It calculates additional interest after principal recovery. Leave it blank when earnings are paid on the recovery date.

Can I add future quarterly rates?

Yes. Add a reviewed custom quarter and source note. Custom entries override matching embedded rates.

Is SCC eligibility guaranteed?

No. The checklist provides screening only. Current official conditions, notices, records, and calculator requirements still apply.

How are leap years handled?

Leap-year segments use 366 daily periods. Other years use 365. The schedule displays the applied denominator.

Where is project data stored?

Local saves use browser storage. Exported project files stay where you save them. Server-side database storage is not used.

Bulk date update

Paste transaction rows

Paste tab-separated columns: description, participant ID, pay period, type, principal, loss date, recovery date, final payment date, notes.

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Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.