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Paycheck came in short or late: what to check

Work out whether it is a mistake, a deduction or a delay, and ask the right person in the right order.

18 items · 4 sections · money, work, personal-finance

Start this checklist

First hour (4)

  • Check your bank account: some pay clears a day late, especially around weekends and holidays
  • Check the pay date in your contract or last payslip
  • Look at the amount against your payslip: is it short by a fixed amount, hours or a deduction?
  • Check your bank has not held or reversed the payment

Find the cause (5)

  • Read the payslip: hours, rate, overtime, bonuses, tax, pension and any deductions
  • Check the hours you worked against what you were paid
  • Check for a new tax code or tax withholding change
  • Check for an advance, loan repayment or equipment charge you forgot about
  • Check whether a recent raise, leave or sick days changed the calculation

Ask for it to be fixed (4)

  • Message payroll or your manager politely with the dates and amounts, in writing
  • Attach the payslip and your own record of hours
  • Ask when the missing amount will be paid and ask for a reply in writing
  • Keep a record of who you asked, when and what they answered

If it is not fixed (5)

  • Follow up after two working days and then go to HR or a senior manager
  • Contact your local labour office or wage authority if wages are unpaidUS: the Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division. UK: ACAS. India: your state labour department.
  • Talk to your bank if rent or loans will bounce: ask for a short delay in writing
  • Plan a thin week: pay rent and food first and delay the rest
  • Start looking at a small emergency buffer for next time

Written from www.dol.gov

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