SimplePay Self-Service

The app launches to a login screen with the SimplePay branding. No lengthy tutorial interrupts the first launch. Instead, you are prompted to enter your company code, username, and password. The login screen is clean and minimal, with fields for each credential plus a "Forgot Password" link. After logging in, the app displays a dashboard showing your profile, upcoming leave, and recent payslips. The interface is functional, with a bottom navigation bar containing tabs for Home, Leave, Claims, Payslips, and More. The app saves your login session, so you don't need to re-enter credentials every time. You can close the app and resume later without losing your place.

The navigation is straightforward. The Home tab shows a summary of your account and any pending approvals. The Leave tab displays your leave balance and allows you to submit new leave requests. The Claims tab lets you submit expense claims and track their status. The Payslips tab lists all available payslips for viewing and downloading. The More tab contains settings, support, and account information. The app does not require any permissions to function, but it may request access to device storage for saving payslips and notifications for approval alerts. You can use the core functionality without granting any permissions.

When claims submission meets approval workflow

The claims submission feature and the approval workflow are tightly coupled. Employees can submit expense claims directly from the app, attaching supporting documents if needed. Once submitted, the claim enters a workflow where designated approvers review and approve or reject it. The app notifies employees when their claims are approved, but approvals themselves must be actioned by the approver—either through the app or the web portal. This creates a dependency on the approver's availability. If the approver is on leave, the approval process can be overridden, but this requires administrative intervention.

The reverse is also true. The approval workflow influences which claims get processed quickly. Claims that are complete and correctly documented move through the system faster. The app does not explain the approval chain explicitly, so employees may become frustrated if their claims sit in pending status for extended periods. The approval workflow is a core part of the system, but the app's functionality is limited compared to the web version. Some administrative tasks, such as setting up approval groups, can only be done through the web portal.

The real-world performance and what breaks

Performance on modern devices is generally acceptable. The app loads quickly on a good internet connection. However, some users have reported issues with login and account activation. A review on HelloPeter mentions login issues, which suggests that the authentication system can be problematic. The developer has acknowledged these issues and included bug fixes in recent updates. The changelog for the current version notes that they "swatted and squashed some bugs." Other users have reported payslip visibility problems, which can be a significant issue for employees who rely on the app to access their payslips.

The app is free to download and use, but it requires an existing SimplePay payroll account. It is not a standalone system; it complements SimplePay's online payroll service. The app's functionality is limited compared to the web version. For example, personal details updates must be done through the website, not the app. The app's user interface can be confusing for new users, as noted in some reviews. The developer has provided support articles to address common issues, but the app's limitations remain a point of contention for some users.

One specific permission the app asks for

The app requests access to device storage. This permission is used to save payslips and other documents to your device for offline viewing. The permission is requested when you attempt to download a payslip for the first time. The app works fine if you deny this permission—you can still view payslips online, but you will not be able to download them for offline access. The app does not request location, contacts, or other sensitive permissions. The data is encrypted in transit, and you can request deletion. The app does not require any permissions to function. You can use the core functionality without granting any permissions.