What if my employer didn't pay me after I quit?

Asked by: Mr. Alec Pagac I  |  Last update: September 23, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (63 votes)

If your former employer hasn't paid your outstanding wages on your regular payday after leaving a job, and you've failed to remedy the situation with your former employer, contact your local Department of Labor (DOL) Wage and Hour Division office to file a complaint. A DOL official will assist you with the process.

What if my job hasn't paid me after I quit?

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.

Is it illegal to not pay employees after they quit?

If the employee is discharged in California, then the law requires employers to provide any and all compensation due at the time of separation. The employee can file a wage claim for every day they don't receive a check after the time of separation.

What do I do if I quit my job and they don't pay me?

You can file a complaint with the California Workforce Commission's fraud portal, a valuable resource dedicated to tackling issues like unemployment benefits fraud and identity theft within the system. Be sure to act with integrity and report it immediately, even when it seems easier to quietly keep it for yourself.

What do I do if my ex-employer doesn't pay me?

Contact your former employer in writing, politely reminding them of the unpaid amount and requesting payment by a specific date. This communication serves two purposes: it might prompt payment, and if not, it serves as further documentation of your efforts to resolve the matter.

How long can my employer hold my final paycheck after I quit?

41 related questions found

Can you sue a former employer for not paying you?

If you find your employer is not providing the compensation they should be, it's essential to act promptly. California offers two main routes for action: File a wage claim. You can submit a wage claim with the state's Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (the Labor Commissioner's Office).

How long does a company have to pay you after you quit?

California employment law states that employees receive final paychecks immediately. If an employee is fired or doesn't have a say in leaving their job, they must be paid their final paycheck on the same day as termination. An employee who quits must be given their final paycheck within 72 hours of providing notice.

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).

Can my employer withhold my paycheck if I quit?

California: Employees who quit must be paid their final wages within 72 hours if they didn't give notice. If they give at least 72 hours' notice, employees must be paid immediately.

Does my boss have to pay me if I quit?

Be aware that your employer is entitled to refer to your failure to give proper notice in any reference they give to your new employer. Yes. You are entitled to be paid your wages for the hours you worked up to the date you quit your job.

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.

How to find out if an old employer owes you money?

Search for your employer: Enter your employer's name in the WOW application to locate your company. Verify your name: Search for yourself within the system. WOW will confirm if we have wages owed to you. Submit contact information: Provide contact details so we can send you the Back Wage Claim Form and instructions.

Can I sue an employee for quitting?

The employer might agree to terminate this employment relationship only for specific reasons. On the other hand, the employee might agree to provide notice before quitting. If the employee violates this agreement and quits without the required advance notice, the employer could sue them for breach of contract.

How to ask for a paycheck after quitting?

Follow these steps to ask for your paycheck politely:
  1. Review the payment terms. Before contacting anyone for payment, review the terms of service regarding payment. ...
  2. Determine who to contact. ...
  3. Decide how to contact them. ...
  4. Prepare a polite message. ...
  5. Share supporting materials. ...
  6. Follow up as needed.

Can an employer cut your pay if you quit?

If you are in a situation where you find out the pay cut you received was illegal after you quit a job, you can file a complaint with your State Department of Labor. While this isn't a guarantee that they can help you, they can at least follow up and look into the situation.

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.

Is it illegal for a job to not pay you after you quit?

Final Paycheck Timelines When Employees Quit

If you lave without giving a heads up, California law has got your back—you should get all due wages within 72 hours. Now, if you're courteous and give at least 72 hours' notice before waving goodbye, then bingo.

What are the three reasons an employer can withhold wages?

Legal Reasons for Withholding Pay
  • Voluntary Deductions: ...
  • Court Orders: ...
  • Employee Benefits: ...
  • Repayment of Advances: ...
  • Mistakes in Overpayment: ...
  • Employee Purchases: ...
  • Taxes: ...
  • Workers' Compensation and Unemployment Insurance:

Do I still get paid if I quit without notice?

While you can and should have a policy defining job abandonment (e.g., if an employee no-shows and no-calls three days in a row, you'll take that as a resignation), you are not allowed to deduct or withhold pay because an employee quits without notice.

What to do if you don't get paid?

What to Do if You Have Not Received the Pay You Are Entitled To
  1. Talk to Your Employer.
  2. Contact the Appropriate Government Agencies.
  3. Contact an Employment Law Attorney.

Who is responsible for payroll error?

The employer is responsible for payroll errors that happen at their company.

How long can an employer withhold pay?

Employees have the right to file a claim for damages related to their final salary. If their employer failed to send them a final paycheck on time, they can file a wage and hour claim. In California, an employer is required to pay a final paycheck on an employee's last day of work or within 72 hours of that last shift.

Can you get in trouble for quitting a job?

California law permits most employees to quit their jobs at any time, regardless of the reason for quitting. Only a small number of employees are not permitted to leave their employment at any time without consequences, and that's because they have a contract stating the specific duration of their employment.

Can my employer not pay me if there is no work?

Through the Wage and Hour Division, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) enforces the FLSA. The FLSA sets the number of hours in a workday and workweek and when you are "at work" and "not at work." In general, any time you are under your employer's control, your employer must pay you.

Do you get a payout when you quit?

A resignation payout, also called a severance package, is a payment that you're entitled to when you voluntarily leave a job. You can expect your final pay from your employer to include: Outstanding wages, including penalty rates and allowances. Any accrued entitlements such as annual leave and annual leave loading.