> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.pockethrms.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.pockethrms.com/hr-and-admin-portal/cloud-configuration/setting/payroll/pay-settings.md).
# Pay Settings
### **How To Configure Separation Settings?**
**Path**: Cloud > Settings > Payroll > Pay Settings > Separation Setting
The Separation Setting page controls how employee separations are handled — whether master details stay editable after a separation is recorded, how far in advance a separation date can be set, and whether separations can go through after payroll has already been processed for that period.
**Step 1:** Log in to the **Cloud Portal**, open **Payroll**, go to **Pay Settings**, and select **Separation Setting**.
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**Step 2**: Set **Master details** can be edited after separation made to **Yes** or **No**, depending on whether HR should still be able to edit an employee's master details once their separation is recorded.
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**Step 3:** Enter a **value in No. of months** upto which separation date can be given. This is mandatory — it sets how far into the future a separation date can be set.
**Step 4:** Set **Allow Separation After Payroll Process** to **Yes** or **No**, depending on whether separations can still be processed after payroll has already run for that period.
**Step 5:** Under **Separation Processing Control (Cloud)**, choose Separate Now to process the separation immediately, or Approve & Separate Later to route it through approval first. Click **Save**.
**Important Note:** Separate Now processes the separation immediately. Approve & Separate Later first approves the resignation, then auto-separates the employee at the end of day on their Last Working Date — Separate Now can still be used afterward to separate them immediately if needed.
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