Final Paycheck Laws in Louisiana
Louisiana has specific final paycheck requirements
Louisiana requires final wages within 15 days of the date of discharge or resignation, or by the next regular payday, whichever comes first.
Final paycheck timelines
| If you are fired | Within 15 days of separation or by the next regular payday, whichever is sooner |
|---|---|
| If you quit | Within 15 days of separation or by the next regular payday, whichever is sooner |
| Must include PTO payout? | Yes — Louisiana requires payout of accrued vacation upon separation. Employers must pay earned, unused vacation as part of the final paycheck. However, employers can adopt policies that cap vacation accrual or require use within a certain period. |
| Penalties for late payment | Up to 90 days of wages as a penalty, plus attorney's fees, for willful failure to pay. |
| Statute | La. Rev. Stat. SS 23:631-632 |
Final Paycheck Laws in Louisiana: what you need to know
Louisiana has a state law that sets specific timelines for when employers must deliver a final paycheck after an employee separates from employment. The timeline typically depends on whether the employee quit or was terminated. Louisiana requires final wages within 15 days of the date of discharge or resignation, or by the next regular payday, whichever comes first.
If you are fired or laid off in Louisiana, your employer must deliver your final paycheck Within 15 days of separation or by the next regular payday, whichever is sooner. If you quit, the timeline is Within 15 days of separation or by the next regular payday, whichever is sooner. These timelines are legal requirements, not suggestions, and employers who miss them may face penalties.
Employers who fail to deliver the final paycheck on time face penalties in Louisiana. Up to 90 days of wages as a penalty, plus attorney's fees, for willful failure to pay. These penalties serve as a deterrent against employers who might otherwise delay payment, and they provide compensation to workers for the harm caused by late payment.
In Louisiana, the final paycheck must include Louisiana requires payout of accrued vacation upon separation. Employers must pay earned, unused vacation as part of the final paycheck. However, employers can adopt policies that cap vacation accrual or require use within a certain period.. This means your employer cannot simply pay your regular wages and withhold your vacation balance. Check your final paycheck carefully to ensure all earned compensation is included.
For Louisiana workers who are leaving a job, understanding the final paycheck timeline can help you plan your finances during the transition. If your employer does not deliver your final paycheck by the required deadline, document the delay and contact the Louisiana Department of Labor or an employment attorney. You may be entitled to penalties in addition to the unpaid wages.
More Louisiana workplace laws
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Frequently asked questions about final paycheck laws in Louisiana
Within 15 days of separation or by the next regular payday, whichever is sooner
Within 15 days of separation or by the next regular payday, whichever is sooner
Yes. Louisiana requires payout of accrued vacation upon separation. Employers must pay earned, unused vacation as part of the final paycheck. However, employers can adopt policies that cap vacation accrual or require use within a certain period.
Up to 90 days of wages as a penalty, plus attorney's fees, for willful failure to pay.
Document the amount owed, your last day of work, and any communications with your employer. File a wage complaint with the Louisiana Department of Labor or consult an employment attorney.