You count on your paycheck to cover your living expenses. When you take a job, they tell you a set pay date, and so you count on getting your earnings that day. If you are not paid in a timely manner, then it can put your family in a financial bind.
There are laws in place to protect workers, and some of those laws deal with pay rates and pay periods.
You need to understand your rights and know about the resources available to you in such scenarios. You have the right to receive your pay in a timely manner.
When Does A Paycheck Become Late?
Every employer has a day that they pay their workers. It may be a weekly check, bi-weekly or twice per month, or a monthly paycheck. Each state establishes its own laws regarding when paychecks must be issued.
'As an example, in Massachusetts employees must be paid within six days of the conclusion of the workweek. If you do not believe you have been paid in a timely manner, you should research the laws with your state.
An employment law attorney could help you determine if laws have been violated or if you have been the victim of a crime.
If the employer is late giving you your paycheck, then you may be entitled to receive additional compensation as well as your earnings.
Different states have different laws regarding your rights and the penalties that an employer could face for failing to issue pay in a timely manner that adheres to the state and federal employment laws.
What To Do If Your Paycheck Is Late
If it is time for you to get paid and you do not get your paycheck or you only receive a partial paycheck, you should act promptly to recoup your losses. You should familiarize yourself with your employer’s policy regarding pay periods.
Make sure you receive your paycheck on the set dates. If you do not receive your pay, or if you do not receive all of your pay, you should check with your company’s payroll department to make sure there was not an error like a typo or an accidental omission.
Gather Supporting Evidence
You should know when the pay period ends, and you should know when you regularly receive pay. You should keep your paystubs and other documentation to establish a pattern that shows when you are regularly paid and when you should expect your paychecks.
If you do not receive your check on the regular day, you should immediately notify your employer and make an inquiry into the situation.
You should always maintain documentation to support your claim should a situation like this arise, but as soon as you realize you have not receive your pay on time, you should immediately start building a file and get your supporting evidence in order to send copies of the details along with your letter that indicates you are owed money and that you should have already been paid.
Throughout the claims process you should hold on to the original documentation and only supply copies to your employer and to any other agency that becomes involved in the claims process.
Remember that having evidence is essential to the success of your claim against your employer. Not paying you on time is a form of wage theft. You depend on your paycheck and you should receive it in a timely manner.
Additional Resources
