What happens if my job doesn't have my check on payday?

Asked by: Kenny Ullrich  |  Last update: August 28, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (72 votes)

If the regular payday for the last pay period an employee worked has passed and the employee has not been paid, contact the Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division or the state labor department. The Department also has mechanisms in place for the recovery of back wages.

What happens if I don't get my check on Payday?

What Happens If My Employer Is Late With My Paycheck in California? If your employer fails to pay you on payday, you may have recourse by filing a wage claim to recover unpaid wages. In California, if your employer misses a scheduled payday, you can take action by sending a written notice to request payment.

Does my employer have to pay me on payday?

In California, wages, with some exceptions, must be paid at least twice during each calendar month on the days designated in advance as regular paydays.

What to do if your job doesn't give you your paycheck?

File a Complaint: If your employer still refuses to pay, you can file a complaint with your state's labor board or the Department of Labor. They can investigate the situation and help you recover your wages. Seek Legal Advice: If all else fails, consider consulting with an attorney who specializes in employment law.

What if my paycheck didn't arrive on time?

If the employer still does not pay and violates the employment relationship, the California employee may file a claim with the California Labor Commissioner's Office. Furthermore, if an employer willfully fails paying wages, the employee may be entitled to penalties under California law.

My employer routinely pays us late, what can we do?

27 related questions found

What happens if payroll check is not cashed?

What Happens When Employees' Payroll Checks Aren't Cashed? When an employee's check is not cashed, an employer is responsible for reporting the check to the state and turning it over to the state after a state-defined time period.

What happens if my employer hasnt paid me?

If the regular payday for the last pay period an employee worked has passed and the employee has not been paid, contact the Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division or the state labor department. The Department also has mechanisms in place for the recovery of back wages.

What if my boss doesn't pay me on time?

Contact your employer in writing and ask for prompt payment of the wages owed to you. If your employer refuses, file a wage claim with your state's labor agency or attorney general. File a complaint with the Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division.

What is it called when you work but don't get paid?

What Is Wage Theft? You must get fair compensation for all hours you work. That includes travel time, working breaks, and on-call hours. Any time an employer does not pay an employee's wages, it is wage theft. If you notice shortages in your paycheck, breaks and travel time could be missing.

What happens if payroll is submitted late?

Frequently asked questions about payroll tax penalties

If employers fail to deposit employment taxes with the IRS on time, they may be subject to the following penalties, depending on the number of days payment is past due: One to five days late results in a 2% penalty. Six to 15 days late results in a 5% penalty.

How long does a company have to correct a payroll error?

For example, California Wage Law includes penalties for late paychecks or underpayment mistakes. Employees in California are entitled to a full day of wages at their regular rate for each day it takes their employer to fix the mistake (up to a total of 30 days).

Why is my paycheck late today?

If you have a late direct deposit, there are several possible explanations, such as bank holidays, processing errors, incorrect bank account information, payroll processing timelines, and other delays.

What to do if you don't receive a check?

If a check that was sent to you never arrives and you're wondering what to do if the check is lost in the mail, follow these steps: Notify the person or business who sent it as soon as possible so they can stop payment before someone else can cash or deposit it.

Can you refuse to work if you haven't been paid?

Legally, you may have the right to refuse work if your employer hasn't paid you, but this can vary by state. Always seek legal advice before taking such actions.

How long can a bank legally hold a payroll check?

The Federal Reserve says that a "reasonable" extended hold generally means one additional business day (total of two business days) for a bank's own checks and five additional business days (total of seven) for most other checks.

Can you sue your boss for paying you late?

Yes, you can. In California, employers must pay their employees by specific deadlines. If they don't, you have the right to file a wage claim or lawsuit.

What happens if my employer keeps paying me late?

When an employer fails to pay on time, they face legal repercussions. Employees can file complaints with state labor boards or the Department of Labor. If found in violation of wage laws, employers might have to pay back wages, fines, and penalties for willful violations.

How to politely remind your boss to pay you?

How to ask someone to pay you for work
  1. Avoid letting too much time pass from the payment due date. ...
  2. Set up an emailing schedule. ...
  3. Send polite reminders before the due date. ...
  4. Send a polite but direct email on the due date. ...
  5. Firmly remind them when your invoice is overdue. ...
  6. Call them if they still don't pay you.

What if my new job hasn't paid me yet?

Report discrepancies right away. Advise the company as soon as possible if your paycheck is short or missing. If you don't get paid promptly, you can file an unpaid wages claim with the state or federal Department of Labor.

How long does an employer have to correct a payroll when it is wrong in Virginia?

How long does an employer have to correct a payroll when it is wrong in Virginia? They don't have a window of correction. They have violated the law if they pay late or incorrectly.

What is it called when an employer doesn't pay you?

What is Wage Theft? Wage theft occurs when an employer doesn't pay an employee the benefits they've earned, be it wages or other benefits such as a lunch break; it is illegal.

What to do if someone hasn't cashed your check?

If the payment hasn't been credited and your check hasn't cleared, you may choose to place a stop payment order on the original check and send another payment.

How long can a check not be cashed?

How Long Are Personal Checks Legally Valid? Typically, personal checks are good for six months (or 180 days) from when they're dated. After that, they're considered "stale." Legally, banks and credit unions are not obligated to accept stale checks. However, some banks do accept checks older than six months.

How long can a company wait to cash a check?

Personal, business, and payroll checks are good for 6 months (180 days). Some businesses have “void after 90 days” pre-printed on their checks. Most banks will honor those checks for up to 180 days and the pre-printed language is meant to encourage people to deposit or cash a check sooner than later.