In order to start accepting shifts in your WorkWhile app, please follow these steps if you haven't done so already:
Complete and pass a background check
Verify your identity
Add your payment method to receive your shift payments. Ensure your W-2 application has been approved before proceeding with the background check. For I-9 verification, you must provide either one List A document (e.g., passport) or a combination of one List B document (e.g., driver’s license) and one List C document (e.g., Social Security card).
For W-2/I-9 compliance, provide either one List A document or one List B document and one List C document. Refer to the official “Form I-9 Acceptable Documents” resource for examples of acceptable documents. Ensure you submit clear photos of the original physical documents (front and back when applicable). Screenshots, photocopies, and PDFs are not accepted. Additionally, to finalize your I-9 verification, you must meet in person with an Authorized Reviewer. This can be any trusted adult over 18, such as a friend, family member, or colleague. In the WorkWhile app, go to the Jobs tab and enter the reviewer’s mobile number to send them a secure link. During the meeting, the reviewer will:
Submit their location or scan your on-screen QR code to confirm they are physically present with you.
Inspect your original documents and compare them to the uploaded images.
Electronically sign Section 2 of the I-9 form using their smartphone.
Background Check: In order to complete your background check, go to your 'Jobs' tab in your app and try to accept your first shift. This is considered a "trial shift" and will trigger the background check process without committing you to the shift. Before you are able to accept the shift, you will be presented with a background check form to fill out in the app. Once your background check has been approved, you will receive a notification that you can start accepting shifts. If the shift does not appear in your profile after attempting to accept it, try accepting it again within the app. This action should refresh the shift and trigger the background check prompt. Additionally, note that you will not be scheduled for the first shift you attempt to accept while completing the background check. After submitting the required information, return to the Jobs tab to accept the shift you want to work.
This action initiates the background check through Yardstik. Workers planning to take driving shifts must also complete a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check. You cannot accept or attend shifts until the background check is cleared. Notifications will be sent once the process is complete or if additional information is required.
I-9 Authorized Reviewer Process: To complete your I-9 verification, you must meet in person with an Authorized Reviewer. This can be any trusted adult over 18, such as a friend, family member, or colleague. Follow these steps:
Start in the WorkWhile App:
Navigate to the "Listings" tab in the app and select “Start I-9 and Tax Forms.”
Complete Section 1 of Form I-9 with your personal details.
Upload clear photos of your selected documents.
Set Up the Authorized Reviewer:
Enter the mobile number of a trusted adult (over 18) who will act as your representative.
They will receive a link to a secure portal.
Any adult with a smartphone and camera can serve as your representative.
Meet in Person:
The representative must meet you in person, verify your original documents, and confirm their location via the app.
They will electronically sign Section 2 to complete the process.
Submit their location or scan your on-screen QR code to confirm they are physically present with you.
Inspect your original documents and compare them to the uploaded images.
Electronically sign Section 2 of the I-9 form using their smartphone. The representative will open the secure link on their smartphone and select "Submit Your Location" to confirm their presence.
Verifying your Identity: We require all workers to submit a form of identification in order to verify your identity. Once your form of identification has been approved, you will be able to add your payment information to cash out your shift payments. To get started, go to the Home tab of your app and click "Add Payment Method". This link will direct you to upload a copy of your ID. These are the forms of identification that can be approved: IDs must be valid, unexpired, and government-issued. Only physical IDs are accepted; temporary paper IDs, photocopies, screenshots, or PDFs are not valid. For IDs with information on both sides, such as driver’s licenses, ensure you upload images of both the front and back. Additionally, upload clear, well-lit, and unobstructed photos of your ID by placing it on a flat surface with good lighting (natural light is preferred). Avoid using flash to prevent glare or reflections, and ensure all edges and corners of the ID are visible. Use a minimal background to avoid distractions. Clean your device’s camera lens and hold the phone steady to ensure the best photo quality. Avoid cropping, editing, or rotating the image to ensure the ID remains authentic and legible. Submitting a Selfie: As part of the identity verification process, you must take a clear selfie holding your ID next to your face. Ensure your face and all details on the ID are visible and legible. Follow any on-screen pose instructions, such as turning your face to the left or right.
Ensure that the name on your ID matches the name on your WorkWhile profile to avoid verification issues.
U.S. Driver’s License
U.S. Passport
U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
U.S. National ID
Troubleshooting Common Issues: If your verification fails, follow these steps to resolve the issue:
Common Issues with Selfie Verification:
Unclear or obstructed images: The system cannot verify blurry or obstructed photos.
Lighting problems: Shadows, glare, or uneven lighting can prevent successful verification.
Unaccepted ID types: Only specific government-issued IDs are accepted.
General Troubleshooting Steps:
Refresh the App:
Close and reopen the app to refresh your session.
Log out and log back in if necessary.
Re-upload Your Documents:
Ensure your ID and selfie are clear, unobstructed, and well-lit.
Use bright, even lighting and avoid glare or shadows.
Clean your device’s camera lens and hold the phone steady.
Use Accepted ID Types:
Upload one of the following:
US Driver’s License
US Passport
US Permanent Resident Card
US National ID
Improve Image Quality:
Ensure all four edges of your ID are visible in the frame.
Avoid using flash to prevent glare.
Make sure your face is fully visible and matches your ID.
Tips for Successful ID and Selfie Uploads:
Use a plain, minimal background for your selfie.
Hold your ID next to your face for verification if required.
Ensure both your face and ID are unobstructed and clearly visible.
Manual Verification Options: If selfie capture continues to fail, you can submit document images for manual verification:
Provide clear photos of both the front and back of your acceptable identity and/or work authorization documents.- If the app upload isn’t working, submit clear photos of your documents directly in the chat for manual processing.
Laminated Social Security cards are not accepted. Submit a different List C document if your card is laminated.
Do not send copies, screenshots, or PDF files—only original, clearly photographed images are accepted.
Ensure the documents meet Form I-9 guidelines.
If your verification fails due to a duplicate account, log in to your existing WorkWhile account. Use the password recovery option in the app if you cannot access it.
If you are unable to start work due to ID verification, upload your W-2 documents in the app and follow the in-app notification for next steps.
Users must be at least 18 years old to complete identity verification.
Temporary paper driver's licenses often fail automated verification due to the lack of required security features (e.g., 2D barcode or magnetic strip) and paper texture causing glare or shadows. Wait until you have the physical ID card and upload clear, well-lit images showing the full document without cropping.
Damaged documents, such as those that are torn, taped, or obscured, may cause upload failures. Obtain a replacement card and redo the upload process with a clear photo.
If your Social Security card upload is flagged as unsupported, submit either one List A document or a combination of one List B and one List C document. Ensure the photos are clear, well-lit, and show the entire document. If issues persist, contact WorkWhile support for assistance.
Creating multiple accounts can result in a fraud risk flag and freeze your profile. Contact support to resolve this issue.
Add Payment Method: After you've uploaded a form of identification and it has been approved, you will be able to add your bank account and debit card info in your app that can be done in within the 'Me' tab. When adding your payment information, please keep in mind that we do not allow pre-paid debit cards to be added. We only accept non-prepaid debit cards. Additionally, after your I-9 documents are verified, you will see a banner in the Jobs tab prompting you to complete the remaining onboarding steps. These include entering your banking information for direct deposit and making your tax elections.
For W-2 shifts, payments are processed weekly via direct deposit through the payroll partner. For 1099 shifts, earnings become available 24 hours after the scheduled end of your shift. You can use the Cash Out feature for immediate deposit with a bank-issued debit card (prepaid cards are not accepted for instant payout). Alternatively, you can add your bank’s routing and account number for weekly direct deposits.