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Massachusetts final paycheck law: when your last check is due

In Massachusetts, if you were fired or laid off, your final wages are generally due on the day of the discharge. If you quit after giving notice, they are generally due on or before the next regular payday. If you quit without notice, they are generally due on or before the next regular payday.

Deadlines at a glance

Fired or laid off

Final wages due on the day of the discharge

Quit with notice

Final wages due on or before the next regular payday

Quit without notice

Final wages due on or before the next regular payday

Statute

No state-specific final-pay statute

Wage claim agency

Massachusetts Attorney General's Fair Labor Division

Penalties and details

Massachusetts provides mandatory treble damages for late or unpaid wages.

Accrued vacation is generally treated as wages in Massachusetts.

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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts Attorney General's Fair Labor Division.

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Common questions

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

In Massachusetts, final wages are generally due on the day of the discharge after an involuntary termination.

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

If you gave notice, final wages are generally due on or before the next regular payday. If you quit without notice, they are generally due on or before the next regular payday.

Can my employer be penalized for paying late in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts provides mandatory treble damages for late or unpaid wages.

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

Unpaid wage claims in Massachusetts are handled by the Massachusetts Attorney General's Fair Labor Division.

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 Massachusetts Attorney General's Fair Labor Division before relying on a deadline.