New Jersey final paycheck law
The short answer
Whether the employee is fired, the employer must pay all wages due no later than the regular payday for the pay period in which the employment ended. (N.J.S.A. 34:11-4.3) Whether the employee quits, the employer must pay all wages due no later than the regular payday for the pay period in which the employment ended. (N.J.S.A. 34:11-4.3)
Last verified Sep 24, 2026 · How we verify every rule
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Final paycheck
If you fire someone, when is the last paycheck due?Next regular paydayVerified Sep 24, 2026 · 2 official pages from the same agency
Whether the employee is fired, the employer must pay all wages due no later than the regular payday for the pay period in which the employment ended. (N.J.S.A. 34:11-4.3)
“Whenever an employer discharges an employee, or when the work of an employee is suspended as a result of a labor dispute, or when an employee for any reason whatsoever is laid off, or whenever an employee quits, resigns, or leaves employment for any reason, the employer shall pay the employee all wages due not later than the regular payday for the pay period during which the employee's termination, suspension or cessation of employment (whether temporary or permanent) took place, as established in accordance with section 2 of this act;”
“A. You may wait until the next regular payday designated for the pay period regardless of whether the employee quit or was fired.”
If an employee quits, when is the last paycheck due?Next regular paydayVerified Sep 24, 2026 · 2 official pages from the same agency
Whether the employee quits, the employer must pay all wages due no later than the regular payday for the pay period in which the employment ended. (N.J.S.A. 34:11-4.3)
“Whenever an employer discharges an employee, or when the work of an employee is suspended as a result of a labor dispute, or when an employee for any reason whatsoever is laid off, or whenever an employee quits, resigns, or leaves employment for any reason, the employer shall pay the employee all wages due not later than the regular payday for the pay period during which the employee's termination, suspension or cessation of employment (whether temporary or permanent) took place, as established in accordance with section 2 of this act;”
“A. You may wait until the next regular payday designated for the pay period regardless of whether the employee quit or was fired.”
What it means for an employer
- Set the final pay date when you schedule the termination meeting or accept the resignation, using the deadline above.
- Include every wage earned up to the last day, and check the PTO payout rule for your state.
- Keep a record of the date and the amount paid.
The federal default
“Employers are not required by federal law to give former employees their final paycheck immediately.”
State rules can add to the federal default. The New Jersey rules above are the ones we verified; for anything not covered, ask the state labor office.
Final paycheck: New Jersey and its neighbors
| State | Final pay after firing | After quitting |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | Next regular payday | Next regular payday |
| New York | Next regular payday | Next regular payday |
| Pennsylvania | Next regular payday | Next regular payday |
| Delaware | Next payday or 3 business days, whichever is later | Next payday or 3 business days, whichever is later |
Only verified rules are shown. "Not verified" means we have not checked that state's rule yet; open its rulebook for the official source.
Related
Questions about New Jersey final paycheck law
If you fire someone, when is the last paycheck due in New Jersey?
Whether the employee is fired, the employer must pay all wages due no later than the regular payday for the pay period in which the employment ended. (N.J.S.A. 34:11-4.3)
If an employee quits, when is the last paycheck due in New Jersey?
Whether the employee quits, the employer must pay all wages due no later than the regular payday for the pay period in which the employment ended. (N.J.S.A. 34:11-4.3)
Sources (3)
Checked Sep 24, 2026 · How we verify every rule · Report an error