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Regular Paychecks
- Generally, non-exempt employees (those who earn hourly wages and are eligible for overtime) must be paid at least once a week.
- The exact payday depends on your employer's chosen pay period. For example, if your pay period runs from Sunday to Saturday, your paycheck must be issued by the following Saturday.
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| How Long Can An Employer Wait To Pay You California |
Final Paychecks
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- When you leave a job, your employer must pay you all of your earned wages, including any accrued vacation time or unused sick leave.
- This final paycheck is typically due on the next regular payday after you quit or are terminated.
- However, if you're fired for misconduct, your employer may withhold your final paycheck for up to 72 hours to investigate.
Overtime Pay
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- If you work more than 8 hours in a workday or more than 40 hours in a workweek, you're entitled to overtime pay.
- This overtime pay must be included on your regular paycheck.
- Your employer cannot delay overtime pay until a later date.
What Happens if Your Employer Doesn't Pay You On Time?
- If your employer misses your paycheck, you should first try to talk to them about it.
- Sometimes, there might be a legitimate reason for the delay.
- However, if your employer doesn't have a good explanation or refuses to pay you, you can file a wage claim with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH).
- The DFEH will investigate your claim and may order your employer to pay you the wages you're owed.
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Important Things to Remember
- Keep accurate records of your hours worked and any overtime pay you've earned. This will help you prove your case if you need to file a wage claim.
- Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself and demand what you're owed.
- And remember, your employer is not doing you any favors by paying you on time. It's the law!
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Related FAQs
- How to Calculate Overtime Pay in California: To calculate your overtime pay, multiply your regular hourly rate by 1.5 and then multiply that number by the number of overtime hours you worked.
- How to File a Wage Claim in California: You can file a wage claim online through the DFEH website or by mail.
- How to Find Your Employer's Contact Information: If you don't know your employer's contact information, you can try searching online or contacting the California Secretary of State's office.
- What to Do if Your Employer Goes Out of Business: If your employer goes out of business, you may be able to file a claim with the California Employment Development Department (EDD) for unpaid wages.
- How to Protect Yourself from Wage Theft: Keep accurate records of your hours worked, get everything in writing, and know your rights under California labor law.
Remember, your paycheck is your hard-earned money. Don't let your employer take advantage of you. If you have any questions about your wage rights, don't hesitate to seek legal advice.
I hope this informative and humorous post was helpful! If you have any other questions, feel free to ask away in the comments.
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