Kentucky Final Paycheck Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
KRS § 337.055 — Payment of Wages on Separation
Payment Deadlines
- Terminated / Fired: 14 days
- Resigned: Next regular payday
- Starts from: date of separation or next regular payday, whichever comes later
Waiting-Time Penalty
If your employer fails to pay your final wages within the legal deadline, you may be entitled to Wages continue as penalty from due date until paid, plus reasonable attorney fees under KRS § 337.385.
Key Facts
- Vacation payout required: Yes
- Commission payout required: Yes
- Small claims limit: $2,500
How to File a Wage Claim
File wage complaint with Kentucky Labor Cabinet, Department of Workplace Standards.
Agency: Kentucky Labor Cabinet
What Your Kentucky Demand Letter Includes
Every letter is built from Kentucky's actual statute — not a generic template.
Exact Deadline Citation
KRS § 337.055 cited by section number, with the correct deadline for your separation type (terminated vs. resigned).
Penalty Calculation
Wages continue as penalty from due date until paid, plus reasonable attorney fees — calculated to the exact dollar amount.
Itemized Wages
Base wages, accrued vacation, commissions, bonuses, and expense reimbursements — all itemized with amounts.
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Kentucky Final Paycheck FAQ
How long does my employer have to pay my final paycheck in Kentucky?
Under KRS § 337.055, employers in Kentucky must pay terminated employees within 14 days. Employees who resign are paid by the next regular payday.
What happens if my Kentucky employer doesn't pay my final wages on time?
If your employer fails to pay your final wages within the legal deadline, you may be entitled to Wages continue as penalty from due date until paid, plus reasonable attorney fees under KRS § 337.385. You can pursue this through a wage claim or in court.
Does it matter if I was fired or quit in Kentucky?
Yes. In Kentucky, the deadline differs: terminated employees must be paid 14 days, while employees who resign are paid next regular payday. Our tool accounts for this difference.
Is my employer required to pay out accrued vacation in Kentucky?
Yes. Kentucky requires employers to pay out accrued but unused vacation time as part of your final wages. This includes PTO if your employer's policy treats it as vacation.
Can I file a wage claim or sue my employer in Kentucky?
Yes. You can file wage complaint with kentucky labor cabinet, department of workplace standards. You may also pursue a private lawsuit. Kentucky small claims court handles cases up to $2,500.
Do I need a lawyer to send a final paycheck demand letter in Kentucky?
No. A demand letter is a formal written request, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a Kentucky-specific demand letter citing KRS § 337.055 so your employer knows you understand your rights and the penalties they face.
Final Paycheck Laws by State
Select your state to see your specific deadlines and generate your letter.