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What Can I Do if I Was Not Paid on Time?

Massachusetts law has strict rules about the timely payment of wages.  If you are not paid timely (for regular wages, within 6 days from the end of the last pay period, and for your final paycheck on the date of termination if you are fired or in the next regular payroll if you resign), here are some things you should know:
  • You have a right to ask your employer to be paid without fear of retribution.  The Wage Act prohibits retaliation for your exercise of your rights under the wage and hour laws.
  • If you are not paid on time, you may recover three times the amount owed, plus your legal fees if you have to bring a claim in court in order to receive payment.
  • The law does require you to first file a complaint with the Massachusetts Attorney General's office before you bring a lawsuit.  This is a simple form, and if you indicate that you would like a "right to sue letter" on the form, you should receive a response from the AGO within a week or two, sometimes faster.
  • Under prior law, if your employer paid you before you filed a complaint they could avoid the triple damages.  A recent decision by the Supreme Judicial Court has clarified that the triple damages are the employer's responsibility for late wages even if they pay you before you bring a lawsuit.

Learn more here about the Massachusetts Wage Act.

Need Help With Unpaid Wages?

Call (781) 784-2322
OR
Schedule a Free Information Call
not paid on time massachusetts employment lawyer

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  • Home
  • Employment Law
    • Guide To Employment Law Content
    • Employment Contracts in Massachusetts
    • Discrimination in the Workplace
    • Employment Termination >
      • Massachusetts Paid Family Leave
      • Severance Pay
      • Unemployment in Massachusetts
    • Sexual Harassment at Work >
      • Sexual Harassment in a Small Business
      • Sexual Harassment and Non Disclosure Agreements
      • Sexual Harassment and Remote Work
    • Wage and Hour Laws
    • Independent Contractor Law
    • Non Compete Agreements >
      • Are non competes enforceable
      • Massachusetts Non Compete Act
      • Pre 2018 Massachusetts Non Competes
  • Estate Planning
    • Guide To Estate Planning Content
    • Legacy Protection
    • Why You Need an Estate Plan
    • Why You Don't Have an Estate Plan
    • Estate Planning Documents >
      • Children with Special Needs
    • Planning for Assisted Living
    • Probate Process
  • Business Law
    • Guide To Business Law Content
    • Small Business Law
    • Business Contract Basics
    • Civil Suit Defense
    • Legal Issues for Start Ups
    • Trademark Basics
    • How to Incorporate
    • Sale of Business
  • About
    • Reviews
    • Slnlaw Offices
    • slnlaw core values
    • Publications and Interviews
    • New Client Intake and Consultation
    • Contact
  • Attorneys
    • Emily Smith-Lee >
      • 2018 Lawyer of the Year
    • Jenna Ordway
    • Rebecca Rogers
    • Sharleen Tinnin
    • Elijah Bresley
  • Legal FAQs
    • Estate Planning FAQs
    • Probate FAQs
    • Small Business FAQs
    • Wage Act FAQs
    • Commission Pay FAQs
    • Overtime FAQs
    • Independent Contractor FAQs
    • Non Compete FAQs
    • Employment Discrimination FAQs
    • Employment Termination FAQs
    • Massachusettts Unemployment FAQs
    • Severance Package FAQs
    • Medical Leave FAQs
    • Sexual Harassment FAQs
    • Employer FAQs
    • Civil Lawsuit FAQs
  • Blog