Once you mail paper checks, Workstream updates each check’s status so you can follow progress from printing to delivery. This helps you know exactly where each check is and what you can do next.
In this article, you'll learn:
What each paper check status means
Where to find check status in Workstream
How to preview, view tracking, or cancel a mailed check
Learn what each paper check status means
Paper checks follow a simple progression:
Before you mail
Before you mail
These statuses appear after payroll is submitted, before you confirm mailing in the wizard.
Status | What it means |
Ready to mail | The check is eligible to be mailed, but mailing hasn’t started yet. You still need to confirm address + shipping method in the wizard. |
Paid | This only appears for manual/paper checks with $0 net pay. There’s nothing to mail, so it’s considered paid. |
After you confirm mailing
After you confirm mailing
Once you click Confirm and mail checks, the check enters mailing statuses.
Status | What it means | What you can do |
Mailing: Processing | Workstream has submitted the check for mailing and it’s being prepared. | You may be able to cancel check mailing (before printing). |
Mailing: Printing | The check is queued to be printed. This status may stay until the next business day. | You may still be able to cancel check mailing (before printing). |
Mailing: Printed | The check has been printed. | You can no longer cancel. |
Mailing: Mailed | The package has been handed off for delivery. | Tracking may be available depending on carrier progress. |
Mailing: Pre-transit | The carrier has picked up the package (for expedited shipments). | View tracking details. |
Mailing: Transit | The package is moving through the carrier network. | View tracking details. |
Mailing: Delivery | The package is out for delivery. | View tracking details. |
Mailing: Delivered | The package has been delivered. | View tracking details. |
Returned | The check could not be delivered and was returned to the return address you set in paper check settings. | Update the address and re-mail if needed. |
Track paper check status
You can track status at the individual team member level inside the submitted payroll.
⚠️ A payroll run can show an overall status like Paid while individual paper checks are still moving through mailing statuses. Always check the Payments tab for the most accurate check-by-check status.
Go to Team View, then Payroll.
Go to the Submitted tab, then open the relevant submitted payroll.
In the Payments tab, look at the Payment status column for team members paid by Paper check / Manual.
(For viewing tracking details) Find the team member’s paper check row.
Select the three-dot menu (⋯), then choose View tracking details.
Note: If you don’t see “View tracking details” yet, the check may still be in Mailing: Processing or Mailing: Printing.
❔What's next?
If you need to stop mailing before a check is printed, you can preview and cancel it.