Michigan Final Paycheck Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
Mich. Comp. Laws § 408.475 — Payment of Wages Upon Separation
Payment Deadlines
- Terminated / Fired: Next regular payday
- Resigned: Next regular payday
- Starts from: date of separation
Waiting-Time Penalty
If your employer fails to pay your final wages within the legal deadline, you may be entitled to Liquidated damages equal to wages owed, plus costs and attorney fees under Mich. Comp. Laws § 408.481.
Key Facts
- Vacation payout required: Yes
- Commission payout required: Yes
- Small claims limit: $6,500
How to File a Wage Claim
File wage complaint with Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
Agency: Michigan LEO, Wage and Hour Division
What Your Michigan Demand Letter Includes
Every letter is built from Michigan's actual statute — not a generic template.
Exact Deadline Citation
Mich. Comp. Laws § 408.475 cited by section number, with the correct deadline for your separation type (terminated vs. resigned).
Penalty Calculation
Liquidated damages equal to wages owed, plus costs and 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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Michigan Final Paycheck FAQ
How long does my employer have to pay my final paycheck in Michigan?
In Michigan, final wages are generally due by the next regular payday following separation under Mich. Comp. Laws § 408.475.
What happens if my Michigan 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 Liquidated damages equal to wages owed, plus costs and attorney fees under Mich. Comp. Laws § 408.481. You can pursue this through a wage claim or in court.
Does it matter if I was fired or quit in Michigan?
In Michigan, the deadline is the same regardless of separation type: next regular payday under Mich. Comp. Laws § 408.475.
Is my employer required to pay out accrued vacation in Michigan?
Yes. Michigan 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 Michigan?
Yes. You can file wage complaint with michigan department of labor and economic opportunity. You may also pursue a private lawsuit. Michigan small claims court handles cases up to $6,500.
Do I need a lawyer to send a final paycheck demand letter in Michigan?
No. A demand letter is a formal written request, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a Michigan-specific demand letter citing Mich. Comp. Laws § 408.475 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.