How to use the final paycheck deadline calculator
Enter your last day worked, how the job ended and the state rule that applies, and the calculator returns the date your final wages were due, how many days remain or how many days the payment is late, and a reference penalty figure based on your daily wage.
Legal basis (as of September 2026) — There is no federal final paycheck deadline. The Fair Labor Standards Act (29 U.S.C. 201 and following) requires that wages be paid but leaves the timing of a last paycheck to state wage payment statutes, such as California Labor Code sections 201 and 202, Texas Labor Code section 61.014, New York Labor Law section 191(3), 820 ILCS 115/5, Massachusetts G.L. c.149 section 148 and Colorado Revised Statutes section 8-4-109. Where no state deadline exists, the next regularly scheduled payday is the common benchmark.
Korea handles this very differently: the Labor Standards Act requires all wages and severance to be settled within 14 days of separation, with statutory delay interest after that. The United States has no equivalent nationwide clock, which is why the state selector above matters more than the size of the amount owed.
| State rule | Fired or laid off | Quit |
|---|---|---|
| California | Same day | Within 72 hours |
| Texas | Within 6 days | Next regular payday |
| New York / Illinois | Next regular payday | Next regular payday |
| Massachusetts / Colorado | Same day | Next regular payday |
This calculator is for reference only and is not legal advice. State rules and penalty provisions change, so confirm the deadline with your state labor agency and consult a licensed employment attorney about your specific situation.
Frequently asked questions
No. The FLSA (29 U.S.C. 206) requires that wages be paid, but it sets no separate final-paycheck deadline, so the timing comes from state wage payment laws. Where a state has no rule, the next regularly scheduled payday is the usual benchmark.
In many states, yes. California requires payment immediately on discharge (Lab. Code 201) but generally allows 72 hours after a resignation without notice (Lab. Code 202). Texas allows six calendar days after a discharge and the next regular payday after a resignation.
Some states add a penalty when final wages are late. California Labor Code 203 allows continuing daily wages for up to 30 days. The penalty figure shown here is a reference estimate only, and whether any penalty applies depends on your state and the facts.