Final Paycheck Laws in Maine
When a Maine employer must pay your last paycheck if you are fired, laid off or quit, and whether unused vacation must be paid out.
Short answer: Full pay is due no later than the employee's next regular payday. 26 M.R.S. §626
| Final paycheck if fired or laid off | Full pay is due no later than the employee's next regular payday. Source: 26 M.R.S. §626 |
|---|---|
| Final paycheck if you quit | Full pay is due no later than the employee's next regular payday, whether the employee quits with or without notice. Source: 26 M.R.S. §626 |
| Unused vacation / PTO payout | Yes, for employers with more than 10 employees: all unused paid vacation accrued under the employer's policy on or after January 1, 2023 must be paid out when employment ends. Vacation pay has the same status as earned wages. Public employers are exempt, and a union contract that addresses vacation payout takes priority. Source: 26 M.R.S. §626 |
Where to get help in Maine
More Maine employment law
- Minimum Wage in Maine
- Meal and Rest Break Laws in Maine
- Wrongful Termination in Maine
- Paid Sick Leave in Maine
- Non-Compete Agreements in Maine
- All Maine employment law rules
FAQ
When do I get my final paycheck if I'm fired in Maine?
Full pay is due no later than the employee's next regular payday.
When do I get my final paycheck if I quit in Maine?
Full pay is due no later than the employee's next regular payday, whether the employee quits with or without notice.
Does an employer have to pay out unused PTO in Maine?
Yes, for employers with more than 10 employees: all unused paid vacation accrued under the employer's policy on or after January 1, 2023 must be paid out when employment ends. Vacation pay has the same status as earned wages. Public employers are exempt, and a union contract that addresses vacation payout takes priority.
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.