Final paycheck deadline calculator
Choose whether you were let go or quit, then pick your state and your last day of work. You will see when your final paycheck is due, whether unused vacation must be paid, any penalty for late payment and the law behind it.
Choose a state to see the deadline.
General information, not legal advice. Dates are worked out in calendar days from the date you enter; your lease, contract or a local ordinance can change the answer. Nothing you enter leaves your browser.
Frequently asked questions
When is my final paycheck due?
It depends on your state and on whether you quit or were let go. Some states require payment on your last day, others within a few days, and many allow the next regular payday. A handful of states have no final pay law, so the regular payday rules apply. The calculator above shows your state’s rule.
Do I get paid for unused vacation when I leave?
Only some states require it by law. In the rest, it depends on the employer’s written policy or your contract, so check the handbook before you resign. Paid sick leave is usually treated differently from vacation and is often not paid out.
What if my employer pays my final check late?
Ask in writing first and keep a copy. Many states add a penalty for late final pay, sometimes a day’s wages for each day it is late, and you can file a wage claim with your state labor department without a lawyer.
Can my employer hold my last paycheck until I return equipment?
Generally no. Most states do not let an employer withhold earned wages to force the return of a laptop or uniform, and deductions from the final check usually need your written consent and cannot push your pay below minimum wage.
Leaving a job? Check your contract first
See the notice, repayment and non-compete terms in your contract explained against your state’s law.
Review my employment contract