Final Paycheck Laws in New Hampshire
New Hampshire has specific final paycheck requirements
New Hampshire requires final wages within 72 hours of discharge. Employees who quit and give at least one pay period's notice must be paid on the last day of work; otherwise, by the next regular payday.
Final paycheck timelines
| If you are fired | Within 72 hours of termination |
|---|---|
| If you quit | Next regular payday, or if the employee gives one pay period's notice, on the last day of work |
| Must include PTO payout? | Yes — New Hampshire requires payout of accrued, unused vacation upon separation unless the employer has a written policy that clearly provides for forfeiture and the employee acknowledged the policy. |
| Penalties for late payment | 10% of the unpaid wages for each day late, up to the full amount of unpaid wages. Willful nonpayment may result in additional civil penalties. |
| Statute | RSA SS 275:44 |
Final Paycheck Laws in New Hampshire: what you need to know
New Hampshire 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. New Hampshire requires final wages within 72 hours of discharge. Employees who quit and give at least one pay period's notice must be paid on the last day of work; otherwise, by the next regular payday.
If you are fired or laid off in New Hampshire, your employer must deliver your final paycheck Within 72 hours of termination. If you quit, the timeline is Next regular payday, or if the employee gives one pay period's notice, on the last day of work. 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 New Hampshire. 10% of the unpaid wages for each day late, up to the full amount of unpaid wages. Willful nonpayment may result in additional civil penalties. 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 New Hampshire, the final paycheck must include New Hampshire requires payout of accrued, unused vacation upon separation unless the employer has a written policy that clearly provides for forfeiture and the employee acknowledged the policy.. 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 New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire Department of Labor or an employment attorney. You may be entitled to penalties in addition to the unpaid wages.
More New Hampshire workplace laws
Check other workplace law topics for New Hampshire:
Frequently asked questions about final paycheck laws in New Hampshire
Within 72 hours of termination
Next regular payday, or if the employee gives one pay period's notice, on the last day of work
Yes. New Hampshire requires payout of accrued, unused vacation upon separation unless the employer has a written policy that clearly provides for forfeiture and the employee acknowledged the policy.
10% of the unpaid wages for each day late, up to the full amount of unpaid wages. Willful nonpayment may result in additional civil penalties.
Document the amount owed, your last day of work, and any communications with your employer. File a wage complaint with the New Hampshire Department of Labor or consult an employment attorney.