Question 1

How do I get started with SaffHire?

Accepted Answer

Getting started is simple. Create a free account at intake.saffhire.com with no setup fees and no minimums. Once your account is active, you can begin ordering background checks immediately. All you need is your applicant's name and email address.

Question 2

Is there a setup fee or monthly minimum?

Accepted Answer

No. SaffHire has no setup fees and no monthly minimums. You only pay for the screens you run.

Question 3

How do I submit a background check request?

Accepted Answer

Simply enter your applicant's name and email address in your SaffHire portal. We send them a secure digital link to complete their authorization and personal information. You receive the results directly in your portal.

Question 4

How long does a background check take?

Accepted Answer

Many results are available in as little as 5 minutes. Full verification with county-level criminal searches and employment verification typically completes within 24 to 48 hours. Drug screening results from certified labs are typically available within 24 to 72 hours.

Question 5

Why do some background checks take longer than others?

Accepted Answer

Turnaround time depends on the type of search. National database searches return instantly. County-level criminal searches require manual court record retrieval which varies by county. Employment and education verifications depend on how quickly prior employers or institutions respond.

Question 6

Are you FCRA compliant?

Accepted Answer

Yes. SaffHire is fully compliant with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), EEOC guidelines, and all applicable state and local laws. We are also a proud member of the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA).

Question 7

What is the FCRA and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that governs how background checks can be conducted and how the information can be used in hiring decisions. Non-compliance can result in significant legal liability for employers. SaffHire handles all required disclosures and authorizations.

Question 8

What is the difference between a national criminal search and a county criminal search?

Accepted Answer

A national criminal database search checks a large aggregated database of records from across the country. However, national databases are incomplete, not all counties report to them and records can be missing or outdated. A county criminal search goes directly to the courthouse and retrieves actual court records for that specific jurisdiction. County-level searches are the most accurate and are required for thorough screening.

Question 9

Do you offer drug testing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable-suspicion drug testing through certified labs nationwide. Instant result options are also available.

Question 10

Do you offer DOT-compliant screening for transportation companies?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer full DOT-compliant background screening packages for drivers and transportation professionals including MVR checks, drug and alcohol testing, and criminal history searches.

Question 11

Do you offer OIG exclusion screening for healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We check the HHS Office of Inspector General exclusion list and the System for Award Management (SAM) database for all healthcare clients. This is required for organizations participating in Medicare and Medicaid.

Question 12

How much does a background check cost?

Accepted Answer

Pricing starts at $20 per applicant for a basic screening package. Comprehensive packages including criminal checks, employment verification, drug screening, and more can range between $35 and $110 depending on the extent of the screening. Custom packages are available for high-volume clients and non-profits.

Question 13

Do you offer volume discounts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer custom pricing for high-volume clients, staffing agencies and non profits. Contact us for a custom quote.

Question 14

Is my data secure?

Accepted Answer

Yes. SaffHire uses bank-level encryption to protect all applicant and client data. Our portal is available 24/7 with secure access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started