What if I haven't been paid from my job yet?

Asked by: Prof. Reid Rosenbaum  |  Last update: August 26, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (32 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 can I do if my employer hasn't paid me yet?

  • Contact your employer directly. The first step is to try to resolve the issue directly with your employer.
  • File a wage claim with the state. If your employer does not respond to your request or continues to refuse to pay you, you can file a wage claim with your state's labor department.

What if I haven't got paid from my job?

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 happens if I don't get paid on payday?

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 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.

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

16 related questions found

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.

Why haven't I received my paycheck yet?

Whatever the reason, the best thing to do is contact your employer's payroll department. You can ask them to confirm whether or not you sent your payment information in time for processing and confirm that the bank account information they're using to route your paycheck is accurate.

Can you refuse to work if not paid?

While you may be able to refuse to work, it's best to continue working even if you are not paid. Depending on your contract, your employer may have grounds to fire you for refusing to work. Instead of refusing to work, you should first try to resolve the payment issue with your employer.

What happens if payroll is submitted late?

One to five days late results in a 2% penalty. Six to 15 days late results in a 5% penalty. 16 days late or within 10 days of the first IRS notice results in a 10% penalty. 10 days after the first IRS notice results in a maximum penalty of 15%

What to do when I don't get paid?

First, inform your manager who can help you identify if your issue is related to a pay transaction or a Human Resources matter.

How long does a job have to pay you?

How Long Does an Employer Have to Pay You After You Quit in California? If you leave your employment with no prior notice, you are owed your paycheck within 72 hours of your final day of work. If you provide at least 72 hours' notice prior to your final day of work, you are owed your paycheck on that day.

What to say when you haven't been paid?

Call them if they still don't pay you

There's a chance they haven't read your emails or something occurred that prevented them from responding or making the payment. When calling, explain who you are, why you're calling and why they need to pay you. Keep a friendly tone and try again if they don't answer right away.

What if I haven't gotten paid from my job?

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 do I do if I'm not getting paid?

What to do when you haven't been paid
  1. 1 Review the terms of your contract. If you have a written contract, the first thing to do is to read it carefully. ...
  2. 2 Send a reminder. ...
  3. 3 Send a letter of demand. ...
  4. 4 Get help with dispute resolution. ...
  5. 5 Use a debt collection agency. ...
  6. 6 Take legal action.

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

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. Employees can file complaints against their employers to the Department of Labor and, depending on where they live, the department of labor in their state.

How long can an employer withhold pay?

Final Paycheck If You Leave Voluntarily

If you leave your job voluntarily and don't give your boss notice ahead of time, they have 72 hours to pay you. But, if you do give your employer 72 hours notice before you quit, then they must be ready with your final paycheck on your last day of work.

Can you stop going to work if you dont get paid?

It's usually best to attempt to resolve pay disputes with your employer before refusing to work. Your employer could terminate your employment if you decide to stop working. Whether stopping working is the right option depends on your circumstances and how likely you are to find alternative employment.

What can I do if my employer hasnt paid me yet?

If a paycheck is late, an employee may be able to file a wage claim to recover their wages. If an employer has an established payroll period and fails to pay a California employee on the scheduled payday, said employee can send a written notice to their employer requesting payment.

Is it normal for a paycheck to be late?

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.

Why hasn't my check deposited yet?

Holding Periods: A bank might hold a check for several days before starting the clearing process. This can be due to the check amount, the age of your account, or other factors. Foreign Checks: If someone gives you a check from a bank in another country, it usually takes longer to clear.

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 if my job keeps delaying my paycheck?

Know Your Rights

Many states require employers to pay hourly employees every week. If your employer continues to pay late despite your best efforts to resolve the matter, you have the right to file a complaint with the appropriate government agency. Seeking legal counsel can also help you handle late wage payments.

Can an employer make you stay late without pay?

However, this doesn't mean employers have free rein to keep employees past their scheduled shifts without consequences. California labor laws stipulate that non-exempt employees must be paid for all hours worked, including overtime if applicable.