What to do if I didn't get paid on payday?

Asked by: Jasmin Davis  |  Last update: November 4, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (27 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 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 to do if I haven't received my pay?

You should go to your employer and ask when you will receive your check and when you should expect future pay checks. If the employer cannot give a firm date and then meet that date, you can contact the State Labor Board if you live in the US. Most others nations have something similar too.

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.

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

34 related questions found

What happens if you don't get paid on payday UK?

If it turns out that your employer has not sent payment, you need to understand your legal position. A failure to pay wages may amount to: Unlawful Deduction from Wages under Section 13 of the Employment Rights Act 1996. Breach of Contract (if your employment contract specifies the date and amount of wages to be paid)

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.

Is it illegal to be paid late UK?

In UK law, all employees have the right to receive payment for work they provided. Employers have a responsibility to pay their staff on time. So, it can be considered illegal to pay wages late.

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 if my company hasn't paid me for a month?

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.

Can I refuse to work if I don't get 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.

Do you legally have to be paid 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 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 happens if they don't pay you?

If the client doesn't appear in court, the court may rule the judgment in your favor. If the client doesn't pay, depending on the jurisdiction, they can enforce it through wage garnishment, liens on property, or seizing their assets. Wage Garnishment allows you to collect owed money directly from the client's wages.

What can I do if I don't get paid on time UK?

Making a claim to an employment tribunal

You might be able to make a claim to an employment tribunal if: your wages have not been paid correctly. you have not been able to resolve this with your employer.

What if my boss forgot to pay me?

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.

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

If you can't come to an agreement personally, you can try a mediation service. If they still refuse to pay, don't let the situation get heated. Depending on how much you are owed, there are legal routes you can go down. This includes making an official demand, issuing a County Court claim, and much more.

How late can I be paid?

'All wages are to be paid on a regular pay day, within 7 days of the end of the pay period. The employer must notify each employee of the regular pay day.

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 is classed as a late payment UK?

If you do not agree a payment date, the law says the payment is late 30 days after either: the customer gets the invoice. you deliver the goods or provide the service (if this is later)

What do I do if I didn't get paid?

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 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 to do if someone doesn t pay money?

File a Civil Suit

If someone owes you money under a promissory note or loan agreement, you can file a civil lawsuit to recover it. Under Order 37 of the Civil Procedure Code (CPC), you can bring a summary suit, which is a quicker and more efficient way to handle such cases.