What if my paycheck didn't arrive on time?

Asked by: Prof. Wilhelmine Lockman  |  Last update: December 11, 2025
Score: 5/5 (71 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 paid on payday?

According to California Labor Code 210, employers who fail to pay workers on time are subject to financial penalties. Penalties are extra fines that California imposes on your employer for violating your rights as an employee. They aim to deter your employer from illegally withholding wages in the future.

What happens if your paycheck doesn't come on time?

You can either file a wage claim with the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (the Labor Commissioner's Office), or bring an action in court against your former employer to recover the wages if they are still due you, and to claim the waiting time penalty.

What happens if my employer keeps paying me late?

Contact your local Department of Labor office and make them aware that you are not being paid on time. If it is illegal, they will contact your employer and notify them of the potential penalties and federal laws associated with paying employees late.

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.

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

38 related questions found

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.

What to do if you haven't been paid?

It's usually best to first raise the problem informally by talking with your employer. This can help resolve it quickly if there's been a mistake. If you cannot resolve it informally, you can raise a grievance. This is where you make a formal complaint to your employer.

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 bank to hold a paycheck?

Yes.

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 do I do if I'm not getting paid properly?

To pursue your own claim for unpaid wages, you should file a wage claim with the Labor Commissioner's Wage Claim Adjudication Unit, in addition to filing a BOFE report. A notice of your wage claim will be sent to your employer. CALIFORNIA LABOR LAWS PROTECT ALL WORKERS REGARDLESS OF IMMIGRATION STATUS.

What if I haven't received my paycheck?

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 have a set 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 happens if you are late on a payday loan?

The payday lender might send your loan to collections. Then there will be more fees and costs. If you do not pay the debt while it is in collections, the collection agency might try to sue you to get what you owe.

Is it illegal to get paid for hours you didn't work?

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. This includes on-call time, travel time, and even sleep time.

Should I go to work if I didn't get paid?

If the problem happened recently, it's usually best to carry on working while you try and get your employer to pay you. If you refuse to work, you might be breaking your contract, so your employer might dismiss you.

What can I do if my employer keeps paying me late?

If your employer is paying you unreasonably late or not paying regularly, you may need legal help. An attorney can inform you of your rights under state payday laws and assist you in pursuing what you are owed. To learn about your options, contact an experienced employment law attorney in your state.

What to do if I haven't received my pay?

If your employer hasn't paid your wages or entitlements, you can:
  1. speak to your manager or supervisor.
  2. speak to your Human Resources section, if your workplace has one.
  3. speak to your union representative.
  4. make a complaint to the Fair Work Ombudsman.
  5. apply to the court.

What should I do if someone hasn't paid me?

What to do if a customer doesn't pay
  1. Follow up immediately. ...
  2. Call them or schedule a meeting. ...
  3. Send a debt collection letter. ...
  4. Hire a collection agency. ...
  5. Consider letting it go. ...
  6. Research your new prospects. ...
  7. Be clear with your payment policies. ...
  8. Send invoices immediately and schedule reminders.

What time do wages go into the bank?

Bacs payments will usually go into an account between 01:00 and 07:00. This is the standard Bacs payment time, so if a payment doesn't arrive by 07:00, it may be processed the next working day.

Can your paycheck be delayed?

California labor law provides that an employer can not be late giving paychecks to their employees. The law recognizes how important it is for employees to receive their paychecks on time.

Is it normal to get paid a day late?

Payroll can be delayed for several reasons, such as: Bank Holidays: Financial institutions are closed, causing a delay. Technical Issues: Problems with payroll software or hardware. Human Error: Incorrect data entry or delayed approval from supervisors.

What is the penalty for filing 941 late?

If you file Form 941 late, the IRS imposes a penalty of five percent per month or partial month you are late, up to a maximum of 25 percent.