Summary: California law has specific requirements for when and how often workers should be paid. If your employer is not paying you on time, you could be eligible to file a wage and hour claim. An attorney can review your case, help you recover unpaid wages, and ensure your employer complies with California labor laws.
Employers are required to pay employees for all hours worked and wages earned. If your California employer consistently fails to pay you on time, this is wage theft. When your employer is underpaying you or making late wage payments, it is advisable to seek legal counsel to understand your options and potential legal remedies.
An employer that illegally withholds wages from workers should be held accountable. A skilled wage theft attorney can intervene on your behalf to negotiate a favorable settlement and recover the compensation you deserve.
Late Wage Payments and Workers’ Rights
Wages refer to the various types of compensation provided to employees during their employment. This category includes the base salary, which is the fixed amount paid for completing job responsibilities, not factoring in benefits or bonuses.
All employees—whether paid hourly, salaried, by piece rate, day rate, or flag rate—are entitled to receive their wages promptly. Other forms of legally owed compensation may include:
- Stock options
- Commissions
- Merit pay
- Premium pay
- Various company benefits
California employers can compensate employees using:
- Cash
- Check
- Direct deposit
However, employers cannot mandate that employees use direct deposit to receive their wages. Employers are also legally required to pay employees at least twice a month on designated regular paydays.
Companies should post a notice and establish a set schedule informing employees of the day, time, and location where they can expect wages. Under state law, wages earned between the 1st and 15th of the month must be paid out no later than the 26th, and wages earned between the 16th and the end of the month must be paid out no later than the 10th of the next month.
Recovering Damages for Late Wages
California law requires that employers pay their employees on time on the designated payday outlined in the company’s policy or employment contracts. Employers must also comply with state pay date requirements.
If your employer consistently pays you late, you can contact the state labor agency and file a wage claim. You should also consult with an employment lawyer to discuss what legal remedies are available for your late wages. Compensation, including liquidated (double) damages that match the amount of unpaid wages, may be available in some cases. Wage claims can also recover the cost of interest plus attorneys’ fees.
Contact an Attorney About Late Wage Payments in California
Far too many people live paycheck to paycheck, which means that illegal actions like late wage payments can result in catastrophic financial hardship for some workers. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the laws governing late wage payments in California, determine if your rights were violated, and identify what recourse is available.
If you are facing late wage payments, you can hire a lawyer to protect your rights and fight for compensation. Contact us today by using our online chat or form to request your free review. Since we work on contingency, you owe us nothing unless we secure a favorable outcome for you.
