When you leave a job—whether you quit, get fired, or are laid off—you deserve to be paid what you’ve earned. But what happens if your employer refuses to give you your final paycheck? In North Carolina, that’s not just wrong—it could be illegal.
What North Carolina Law Says About Final Pay
Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 95-25.7, employers must pay all earned wages on or before the next regular payday. That includes:
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Regular wages or salary
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Overtime pay
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Commissions or bonuses (if earned under your contract)
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Any unused vacation time (if promised in a policy or contract)
Common Excuses Employers Use (That Don’t Hold Up)
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“You didn’t return your equipment”
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“We’re holding it to cover damages”
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“We’ll pay you when we get around to it”
These are not legal reasons to withhold pay.
What You Can Do
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Demand your pay in writing (email or certified letter)
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Keep a record of hours worked and any written agreements
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File a wage complaint with the NC Department of Labor
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Talk to an attorney if the check still doesn’t come—especially if retaliation is involved
Why Hire Burt’s Law, PLLC?
We help North Carolina workers stand up to wage theft, paycheck delays, and unlawful employer behavior. Don’t let them get away with it.
📞 Call (866) BURTS-LAW
🌐 Visit: www.burtslaw-nc.com
