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About API integration with Smart
A guide to the how payroll providers use APIs to integrate with Smart and how to check if your provider provides integration

Some payroll software lets you submit your employee and contributions data to Smart Pension directly with a one-click submission itself without the need for a file upload.

Payroll software providers have chosen to integrate with the Smart Pension API at different levels: light, medium or full integration.

Light integration

Light integration lets you create and update employee records as well as sending across contributions and assessment data. This level of integration will require the employer or adviser to set up the scheme using the Smart Pension platform. They are also responsible for managing opt outs/opt ins and percentage increases for the employees

Medium integration

Medium integration lets you create and update employee records as well as sending across their contributions and assessment data. This method also retrieves opt outs/opt ins and percentage increases for the employees, so payroll can be updated before it runs.

Full integration

Full integration lets you set up the scheme via API and create or update the employee records, contributions and assessment data. This method also retrieves opt outs/opt ins and percentage increases for the employees, so payroll can be updated before it runs.

Frequently asked questions

Does my payroll software have API available?

See if your payroll is API ready on our website

What happens if my payroll does not have an API available?

If your payroll software does not have an API you may find they are using a PAPDIS (Pension and Payroll Data Interface Standard) file to allow you to upload employee and pension contributions data to us.

If your payroll software does not have PAPDIS or an API please contact as at payrollsoftware@smartpension.co.uk and a member of our team will investigate for you.

Alternatively, you can use the Smart Pension Platform to assess and calculate contributions for your employees and input the data back into the payroll using our assessment tool.

Last updated:
September 2, 2026

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