Louisiana final paycheck law: when your last check is due
In Louisiana, if you were fired or laid off, your final wages are generally due by the next regular payday or within 15 days, whichever is sooner. If you quit after giving notice, they are generally due by the next regular payday or within 15 days, whichever is sooner. If you quit without notice, they are generally due by the next regular payday or within 15 days, whichever is sooner.
Deadlines at a glance
Fired or laid off
Final wages due by the next regular payday or within 15 days, whichever is sooner
Quit with notice
Final wages due by the next regular payday or within 15 days, whichever is sooner
Quit without notice
Final wages due by the next regular payday or within 15 days, whichever is sooner
Statute
No state-specific final-pay statute
Wage claim agency
Louisiana Workforce Commission
Penalties and details
Louisiana allows penalty wages when an employer fails to pay after demand.
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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana Workforce Commission.
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Create my Louisiana demand letterCommon questions
When is my final paycheck due in Louisiana if I was fired?
In Louisiana, final wages are generally due by the next regular payday or within 15 days, whichever is sooner after an involuntary termination.
When is my final paycheck due in Louisiana if I quit?
If you gave notice, final wages are generally due by the next regular payday or within 15 days, whichever is sooner. If you quit without notice, they are generally due by the next regular payday or within 15 days, whichever is sooner.
Can my employer be penalized for paying late in Louisiana?
Louisiana allows penalty wages when an employer fails to pay after demand.
Who do I file an unpaid wage claim with in Louisiana?
Unpaid wage claims in Louisiana are handled by the Louisiana Workforce Commission.
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 Louisiana Workforce Commission before relying on a deadline.