The Description of Service (DOS) code is a three character code used to identify the various types of compensation in the Personnel Payroll System (PPS). A DOS code is entered in the Appointment Distribution of the Employee Data Base (EDB) record and in Payroll Time Reporting (PTR) to report time worked, leave usage, and other payments.  The DOS code is also used to track information for record keeping and reporting purposes.

There are over 300 DOS codes loaded in the PPS, each hard-coded with unique attributes such as taxation conditions and inclusion or exclusion in retirement totals to ensure that the DOS Code selected will provide the correct payment result. The DOS code is a control factor in various programs of the PPS.

A complete listing of DOS Codes can be found at UCLA Payroll Services.