New York final paycheck law
The short answer
When employment ends by termination, the final wages are due no later than the regular payday on which they would have been paid; on request the employer must mail them. (New York State Department of Labor, Wages and Hours Frequently Asked Questions) When an employee resigns, the final wages are due no later than the regular payday on which they would have been paid; on request the employer must mail them. (New York State Department of Labor, Wages and Hours Frequently Asked Questions)
Last verified Sep 24, 2026 · How we verify every rule
General information, not legal advice. This page is for general information only and isn’t legal, financial or tax advice. Laws vary by state and change; check the official source or talk to a qualified professional about your situation. Every rule on this page links to its official source.
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
When employment ends by termination, the final wages are due no later than the regular payday on which they would have been paid; on request the employer must mail them. (New York State Department of Labor, Wages and Hours Frequently Asked Questions)
“When employment has ended, the employer must pay the wages by the regular payday for the pay period worked. If asked, the employer must mail the final wages to the employee”
“Employees whose employment has ended are entitled to be paid no later than the pay day on which their next pay would have been due had they still been employed. Upon request of the employee, employers are required to mail the employee his or her wages.”
If an employee quits, when is the last paycheck due?Next regular paydayVerified Sep 24, 2026 · 2 official pages from the same agency
When an employee resigns, the final wages are due no later than the regular payday on which they would have been paid; on request the employer must mail them. (New York State Department of Labor, Wages and Hours Frequently Asked Questions)
“When employment has ended, the employer must pay the wages by the regular payday for the pay period worked. If asked, the employer must mail the final wages to the employee”
“Employees whose employment has ended are entitled to be paid no later than the pay day on which their next pay would have been due had they still been employed. Upon request of the employee, employers are required to mail the employee his or her wages.”
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 York rules above are the ones we verified; for anything not covered, ask the state labor office.
Final paycheck: New York and its neighbors
| State | Final pay after firing | After quitting |
|---|---|---|
| New York | Next regular payday | Next regular payday |
| New Jersey | Next regular payday | Next regular payday |
| Pennsylvania | Next regular payday | Next regular payday |
| Connecticut | Next business day | Next regular payday |
| Massachusetts | Not verified | Not verified |
| Vermont | 72 hours | Next regular payday |
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 York final paycheck law
If you fire someone, when is the last paycheck due in New York?
When employment ends by termination, the final wages are due no later than the regular payday on which they would have been paid; on request the employer must mail them. (New York State Department of Labor, Wages and Hours Frequently Asked Questions)
If an employee quits, when is the last paycheck due in New York?
When an employee resigns, the final wages are due no later than the regular payday on which they would have been paid; on request the employer must mail them. (New York State Department of Labor, Wages and Hours Frequently Asked Questions)
Sources (3)
Checked Sep 24, 2026 · How we verify every rule · Report an error