Final Paycheck Laws in Louisiana
When a Louisiana employer must pay your last paycheck if you are fired, laid off or quit, and whether unused vacation must be paid out.
Short answer: Wages due must be paid by the next regular payday or within 15 days of the discharge, whichever comes first. Payment may be mailed. If the amount is disputed, the undisputed part must be paid on time. La. R.S. 23:631(A)(1)(a)
| Final paycheck if fired or laid off | Wages due must be paid by the next regular payday or within 15 days of the discharge, whichever comes first. Payment may be mailed. If the amount is disputed, the undisputed part must be paid on time. Source: La. R.S. 23:631(A)(1)(a) |
|---|---|
| Final paycheck if you quit | Wages due must be paid by the next regular payday for the pay cycle the employee was working in, or within 15 days of the resignation, whichever comes first. Source: La. R.S. 23:631(A)(1)(b) |
| Unused vacation / PTO payout | Yes, if under the employer's vacation policy the employee was eligible for and had accrued paid vacation that was not taken or paid out. Earned vacation pay cannot be forfeited. Source: La. R.S. 23:631(D) |
Where to get help in Louisiana
More Louisiana employment law
- Minimum Wage in Louisiana
- Wrongful Termination in Louisiana
- Non-Compete Agreements in Louisiana
- All Louisiana employment law rules
FAQ
When do I get my final paycheck if I'm fired in Louisiana?
Wages due must be paid by the next regular payday or within 15 days of the discharge, whichever comes first. Payment may be mailed. If the amount is disputed, the undisputed part must be paid on time.
When do I get my final paycheck if I quit in Louisiana?
Wages due must be paid by the next regular payday for the pay cycle the employee was working in, or within 15 days of the resignation, whichever comes first.
Does an employer have to pay out unused PTO in Louisiana?
Yes, if under the employer's vacation policy the employee was eligible for and had accrued paid vacation that was not taken or paid out. Earned vacation pay cannot be forfeited.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.