LAST CHECK GPT

Kentucky final paycheck law: when your last check is due

In Kentucky, if you were fired or laid off, your final wages are generally due by the next regular payday or within 14 days, whichever is later. If you quit after giving notice, they are generally due by the next regular payday or within 14 days, whichever is later. If you quit without notice, they are generally due by the next regular payday or within 14 days, whichever is later.

Deadlines at a glance

Fired or laid off

Final wages due by the next regular payday or within 14 days, whichever is later

Quit with notice

Final wages due by the next regular payday or within 14 days, whichever is later

Quit without notice

Final wages due by the next regular payday or within 14 days, whichever is later

Statute

No state-specific final-pay statute

Wage claim agency

Kentucky Labor Cabinet, Division of Wages and Hours

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 Kentucky deadline passes

  1. Write down the facts: your last day worked, the amount you believe you are owed, and any messages from your employer about payment.
  2. Send a written demand letter that names the Kentucky deadline and gives your employer a short, specific window to pay.
  3. Send it by email and by certified mail with return receipt, and keep proof of delivery. See how certified mail works.
  4. If the deadline in your letter passes without payment, file a wage claim with the Kentucky Labor Cabinet, Division of Wages and Hours.

Ready to demand your final paycheck?

Answer a few questions and get a formal, state-specific demand letter as a print-ready PDF in about 60 seconds. No account needed.

Create my Kentucky demand letter

Common questions

When is my final paycheck due in Kentucky if I was fired?

In Kentucky, final wages are generally due by the next regular payday or within 14 days, whichever is later after an involuntary termination.

When is my final paycheck due in Kentucky if I quit?

If you gave notice, final wages are generally due by the next regular payday or within 14 days, whichever is later. If you quit without notice, they are generally due by the next regular payday or within 14 days, whichever is later.

Can my employer be penalized for paying late in Kentucky?

Kentucky does not have a widely applied waiting-time penalty specific to final pay, but unpaid wages can still be pursued through a wage claim with the Kentucky Labor Cabinet, Division of Wages and Hours.

Who do I file an unpaid wage claim with in Kentucky?

Unpaid wage claims in Kentucky are handled by the Kentucky Labor Cabinet, Division of Wages and Hours.

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 Kentucky Labor Cabinet, Division of Wages and Hours before relying on a deadline.