Connecticut Final Paycheck Law — Deadline Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

• My employer fired me on a Friday — when must they pay me?

  The next business day. If fired on Friday, your employer must have your final paycheck ready by Monday (assuming no public holiday). Connecticut (CGS § 31-71) does not allow waiting until the next payday for discharged employees.

• I quit my job in Connecticut. When do I receive my final paycheck?

  Employees who voluntarily resign receive their final paycheck on the employer's next regular payday following their last day of work (CGS § 31-71). The standard payday schedule applies.

• What wages must be included in a Connecticut final paycheck?

  All earned and unpaid wages: regular pay, overtime owed, and earned commissions. Whether unused vacation must be paid out depends on the employer's written policy or employment agreement — Connecticut law does not independently mandate vacation payout.

• Can a Connecticut employer deduct money from a final paycheck?

  Only deductions authorized by law (taxes, court-ordered garnishments) or amounts the employee has previously authorized in writing for a specific purpose. Deductions for alleged property damage, missing equipment, or cash shortages require a separate agreement and generally cannot reduce pay below minimum wage.

• What is the penalty if a Connecticut employer misses the final paycheck deadline?

  The Connecticut Labor Commissioner may assess a $300 civil penalty per affected employee (CGS § 31-69). Employees may also sue in civil court to recover the unpaid wages plus interest and potentially attorney's fees.

• Does Connecticut law cover final paychecks for independent contractors?

  No. CGS § 31-71 applies to employees. However, Connecticut uses an ABC test for employment classification — if a worker was misclassified as a contractor, they may be entitled to employee protections including final-paycheck rules.

• What is the statute of limitations on Connecticut final-paycheck claims?

  Two years from the date wages were due, under the Connecticut Wage Payment Act. You can recover back wages for up to two years of violations.

• Does Connecticut require employers to pay unused PTO in the final paycheck?

  Not by statute. Whether accrued PTO or vacation is payable upon separation depends on the employer's written policy. If the policy promises payout and the employer refuses, the employee can file a wage claim to enforce the policy.

• How does Connecticut's final paycheck rule compare to federal law?

  Federal FLSA sets no final-paycheck deadline — employers only need to pay on the next regular payday. Connecticut is far more protective for discharged employees by requiring payment the next business day.

• Where do I file a final paycheck complaint in Connecticut?

  Contact the Connecticut Department of Labor's Wage and Workplace Standards Division at (860) 263-6790 or visit portal.ct.gov/dol to submit a wage complaint online.