How Long Can an Employer Not Pay You in Washington State?

Washington has pretty extensive legal protections for you and other workers when it comes to when and how you’re paid by your employer. Even though this is arguably your most basic right when it comes to your employment, your employer might still try to find ways around the law. At Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers, we know how hard you work to earn a living. If your employer isn’t paying you correctly, we can help. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Can My Employer Not Pay Me in Washington?

In short, your employer is legally required to pay you for the time you work in Washington. How they choose to do it is up to them, whether it’s a:

• Salary
• Hourly wage
• Flat rate
• Piece rate
• Commission

Your employer can choose any of these options, or some combination of these–and they can choose to issue you a check, direct deposit, or even prepaid debit cards. But the important thing is that they have to pay you. That said, there are certain time frames in place that dictate when your employer has to pay you.

How Long Can My Employer Not Pay Me?

It’s true that you have to be paid when you work in Washington, but you might not be aware that there’s also legal guidelines for how long your employer can go without paying you. Under Washington law, your employer has to pay you:

• At least once per month on a regularly scheduled payday.

This means that you have to be paid at least once a month, but most employers use a system where you’re paid every two weeks or weekly to meet this requirement. However, even if you do get paid once per month, there’s some common scenarios that you might find yourself in that gives you certain options:

• Bounced paychecks – If your paycheck bounces due to non-sufficient funds (NSF), you can file a complaint with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). If you try to cash the check within 30 days of receiving it, L&I can help recover any bank fees. If an employer repeatedly issues bad checks, it may become a law enforcement issue.
• Final paycheck – If you quit or are fired, your employer must pay your final wages by your next scheduled payday. They also can’t withhold your paycheck for unreturned items like keys, uniforms, or equipment.

With these laws in place, you have a clear right to timely pay when you work (and even when you’re fired or quit.) However, if you find yourself in a situation where you’re not being paid, it’s all about how you respond.

How Should You Respond If You’re Not Being Paid?

Proving that your employer has violated Washington’s wage laws might seem straightforward–either you were paid on time or you weren’t. However, in practice, it can be more complicated. If you’re dealing with unpaid or late wages, here’s how you should respond:

• Keep good records – Track your hours worked, pay stubs, and any missed payments, including unpaid overtime.
• Save everything – Hold onto emails, text messages, or other written proof of conversations about your pay.
• Understand your rights – Washington wage laws protect your right to be paid on time, so knowing what your options are can help you take action.
• Talk to your employer – Sometimes, discussing the issue with your employer or HR can resolve the problem without needing to file a claim.

If your employer won’t correct the issue, you have legal options to recover your unpaid wages, whether it’s filing an L&I claim, a lawsuit, or joining a class action. At that point, you should reach out to our Washington unpaid wage lawyers for guidance and support.

How Can Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers Help Me With Unpaid Wages in Washington?

Dealing with unpaid wages is stressful. You work hard, and getting paid on time should be the bare minimum. If your employer refuses to pay you in a timely fashion, legal help can make a big difference. Our experienced team at Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers can:

• Explain your legal rights and next steps.
• Gather the evidence needed for your case.
• Negotiate directly with your employer to fix the issue.
• Represent you in court or mediation.
• Protect you from unlawful retaliation.

While hiring a lawyer isn’t legally required, having experienced legal support can make the process easier and improve your chances of getting paid what you’re owed. If you’re dealing with unpaid wages or aren’t being paid on time, contact us today for a free consultation.