District of Columbia final paycheck law: when your last check is due
In District of Columbia, if you were fired or laid off, your final wages are generally due by the next business day after the discharge. If you quit after giving notice, they are generally due by the next regular payday or within 7 days of the last day worked, whichever is sooner. If you quit without notice, they are generally due by the next regular payday or within 7 days of the last day worked, whichever is sooner.
Deadlines at a glance
Fired or laid off
Final wages due by the next business day after the discharge
Quit with notice
Final wages due by the next regular payday or within 7 days of the last day worked, whichever is sooner
Quit without notice
Final wages due by the next regular payday or within 7 days of the last day worked, whichever is sooner
Statute
No state-specific final-pay statute
Wage claim agency
D.C. Department of Employment Services, Office of Wage-Hour
Penalties and details
D.C. law allows liquidated damages for unpaid wages that accrue while wages remain unpaid.
What counts as wages in your final paycheck
Final pay usually covers more than your last regular hours. Depending on your state and your employer's policy, it can include unpaid regular and overtime hours, earned commissions, bonuses that have already been earned, accrued unused vacation or PTO where state law or company policy treats it as earned wages, and unreimbursed business expenses.
What to do if the District of Columbia deadline passes
- Write down the facts: your last day worked, the amount you believe you are owed, and any messages from your employer about payment.
- Send a written demand letter that names the District of Columbia deadline and gives your employer a short, specific window to pay.
- Send it by email and by certified mail with return receipt, and keep proof of delivery. See how certified mail works.
- If the deadline in your letter passes without payment, file a wage claim with the D.C. Department of Employment Services, Office of Wage-Hour.
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Create my District of Columbia demand letterCommon questions
When is my final paycheck due in District of Columbia if I was fired?
In District of Columbia, final wages are generally due by the next business day after the discharge after an involuntary termination.
When is my final paycheck due in District of Columbia if I quit?
If you gave notice, final wages are generally due by the next regular payday or within 7 days of the last day worked, whichever is sooner. If you quit without notice, they are generally due by the next regular payday or within 7 days of the last day worked, whichever is sooner.
Can my employer be penalized for paying late in District of Columbia?
D.C. law allows liquidated damages for unpaid wages that accrue while wages remain unpaid.
Who do I file an unpaid wage claim with in District of Columbia?
Unpaid wage claims in District of Columbia are handled by the D.C. Department of Employment Services, Office of Wage-Hour.
Other states
This page is general information, not legal advice. Last Check GPT is not a law firm. State rules change and exceptions apply; verify with the D.C. Department of Employment Services, Office of Wage-Hour before relying on a deadline.