Whether you're fired, laid off, or voluntarily quit your job, state and federal laws govern how promptly your former employer must issue your last paycheck. While federal law establishes a minimum requirement, state laws differ on how soon you must be paid after leaving your job. Additionally, many state laws carve out separate final paycheck deadlines for employees who quit, as opposed to being fired or laid off. Employers who break these rules often do so out of ignorance, but they can face stiff penalties for noncompliance.

The following article serves as a primer on when to expect your final paycheck after leaving or being terminated from your job, and what to do if your former employer disregards the law.

State and Federal Last Paycheck Laws in General

Most states have laws mandating how soon a departing employee must receive his or her final wages. But even in those states that lack such laws, such as Mississippi and Georgia, federal law requires employers to issue a departing employee's final paycheck on or before the regular payday for the last pay period.

Some states have laws requiring payment to departing employees on the next scheduled payday, which is in alignment with federal laws, while several states mandate immediate pay upon discharge or on the next business day.

Examples of State Laws

If you've been fired or voluntarily quit your job, your former employer may have to pay you sooner than the next regular pay period. Exactly when you get a paycheck after leaving a job depends on state laws, for the most part. Below are examples of state laws establishing final payment deadlines:

• California: Final check must be given immediately if you were fired, and within 72 hours you quit (or immediately if you have given more than 72 hours' notice)
• District of Columbia: Final check must be given on next business day if employee is fired, or on the next scheduled payday (or within seven days, whichever comes first) if the employee quits.
• Illinois: Final check must be given on the next scheduled payday, regardless of whether you quit or were fired
• Massachusetts: Final check must be given immediately if you were fired, and on the next scheduled payday (or on the Saturday following your resignation if there is no scheduled payday) if you quit
• Texas: Final check must be given within six days if you were fired, and on the next scheduled payday if you quit

Still Waiting? How to File a Complaint

If you haven't been paid on your regular payday after leaving a job, and efforts to remedy the situation with your former employer have failed, 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.

If you live in a state that offers additional mandates for the issuance of last paychecks to departing employees, see FindLaw's State Labor Agencies directory and contact the appropriate office to file a complaint.

When Do You Get a Paycheck After Leaving a Job? Call an Attorney

Whether you've moved on to another employer or were fired from your last job, you're entitled to your last paycheck in accordance with state law. If you're still waiting for your last paycheck after the statutory deadline, you may want to explore your legal options. Get in touch with a local employment law attorney today.