The deadline, and what it depends on
It depends only on your last day. Weekends do not count toward the deadline; public holidays can push it later still.
An employee who handled the employer's money can be paid within 4 days so the accounts can be checked. Working days exclude Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays.
If you were fired vs if you quit
- Fired or laid off: By the next business day.
- You quit: By your next regular payday or within 7 calendar days of your last day, whichever comes first.
Unused PTO — is it owed?
Only if your employer's written policy or agreement promises it. D.C. counts fringe benefits paid in cash, and any pay promised under your employment contract, as wages. Unused leave is owed at separation if your policy or contract promises it. Check your handbook, offer letter or any PTO policy you signed; if it says accrued time is paid out, that promise is enforceable.
What happens if they are late
Liquidated damages of 10% of the unpaid wages for each working day the payment is late, up to 3 times the unpaid wages.
How to file a claim in District of Columbia
File a wage payment claim with the D.C. Department of Employment Services, Office of Wage-Hour, by mail, email or in person — (202) 671-1880. Filing is free, and you do not need a lawyer.
- Ask in writing first. Email creates a dated record.
- Send a short demand letter naming the amount, the deadline, and any penalty that applies in District of Columbia.
- File the wage claim. Keep copies of pay stubs and your schedule — the time card calculator can total the unpaid hours for you.
District of Columbia final paycheck: common questions
Can they hold my last check until I return my equipment?
No. In the District of Columbia your final wages are due by the deadline on this page whether or not you have returned a laptop, uniform or keys. Your employer can ask for the equipment back or pursue its cost separately, but federal law bars deductions for it that would cut your pay below minimum wage or eat into overtime.
Do I get paid for unused vacation?
Only if your employer's written policy or agreement promises it. D.C. counts fringe benefits paid in cash, and any pay promised under your employment contract, as wages. Unused leave is owed at separation if your policy or contract promises it. Check your handbook, offer letter or any PTO policy you signed; if it says accrued time is paid out, that promise is enforceable.
What if I quit without notice?
No. Quitting without notice does not forfeit anything you earned in the District of Columbia. It is due by your next regular payday or within 7 calendar days of your last day, whichever comes first, exactly as if you had given notice.
When is my final paycheck due in the District of Columbia if I am fired?
By the next business day. Everything you earned is due on that deadline, along with any unused vacation your state or your policy makes payable. If it arrives late, the section on penalties above explains what follows. Keep a note of the day you left and the day the check actually arrives, in case you need to file a claim.
What happens if my final paycheck is late in the District of Columbia?
Liquidated damages of 10% of the unpaid wages for each working day the payment is late, up to 3 times the unpaid wages. File a wage payment claim with the D.C. Department of Employment Services, Office of Wage-Hour, by mail, email or in person — (202) 671-1880.
Spotted something wrong? Report an error.
District of Columbia overtime rules and calculator →
Three other states also give the employer a fixed number of days: Oregon, Texas and Vermont.
Worked across a state line? Maryland final paycheck law and Virginia final paycheck law.