Pennsylvania Final Paycheck Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
43 Pa. Stat. § 260.5 — Wage Payment and Collection Law
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 25% of total wages due as liquidated damages, plus attorney fees and court costs under 43 Pa. Stat. § 260.10.
Key Facts
- Vacation payout required: Yes
- Commission payout required: Yes
- Small claims limit: $12,000
How to File a Wage Claim
File wage complaint with Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, Bureau of Labor Law Compliance.
Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry
What Your Pennsylvania Demand Letter Includes
Every letter is built from Pennsylvania's actual statute — not a generic template.
Exact Deadline Citation
43 Pa. Stat. § 260.5 cited by section number, with the correct deadline for your separation type (terminated vs. resigned).
Penalty Calculation
25% of total wages due as liquidated damages, plus attorney fees and court costs — calculated to the exact dollar amount.
Itemized Wages
Base wages, accrued vacation, commissions, bonuses, and expense reimbursements — all itemized with amounts.
Print-Ready PDF
Professional formatting. Print it, sign it, send it certified mail or deliver to HR. Ready in under 3 minutes.
Free preview. $9.99 for the clean, print-ready PDF.
Pennsylvania Final Paycheck FAQ
How long does my employer have to pay my final paycheck in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, final wages are generally due by the next regular payday following separation under 43 Pa. Stat. § 260.5.
What happens if my Pennsylvania 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 25% of total wages due as liquidated damages, plus attorney fees and court costs under 43 Pa. Stat. § 260.10. You can pursue this through a wage claim or in court.
Does it matter if I was fired or quit in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, the deadline is the same regardless of separation type: next regular payday under 43 Pa. Stat. § 260.5.
Is my employer required to pay out accrued vacation in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
Yes. You can file wage complaint with pennsylvania department of labor and industry, bureau of labor law compliance. You may also pursue a private lawsuit. Pennsylvania small claims court handles cases up to $12,000.
Do I need a lawyer to send a final paycheck demand letter in Pennsylvania?
No. A demand letter is a formal written request, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a Pennsylvania-specific demand letter citing 43 Pa. Stat. § 260.5 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.