Employer still pays your wages after you were dismissed?

Question

if an Employer still pays your wages after you were dismissed and no longer working for them do you have to pay it back?

Answer 1

Uh, why would they fire you and then keep paying you?

Answer 2

They are pretty stupid to keep paying you...however...this is like the bank or the IRS making an error in your favor. Sooner or later they'll figure it out and they can demand repayment.

If it's under $5k (the dividing line between small claims court and regular litigation) they may just let it go - they can't really force you to repay it because they have no means of coercion (they can't withhold it from your check or threaten to fire you.)

If it's more than $5k, stick it in a savings account and don't spend it for a while. After a year has passed, they'll close their books for the year. If they don't catch it in a year-end audit, then it should be free and clear for you to take that cruise. :)

Answer 3

If this was a mistake, it will be found out eventually, and you will have to pay it back -- probably plus interest thrown-in. Why don't you suck it up and call the HR Dept where you worked and just find out? It may be that they are paying you for untaken vacation or sick leave. This is something you shouldn't gamble with, because it really could come back to bite you on the rear.

Answer 4

You are very very short on details.

Depends on your state law.

Also, you could be receiving compensatory pay for sick days or vacation days.

You should consult a labor attorney. And try to be not so vague when you speak with her or him.

Answer 5

If it is for time you worked, vacation pay or severance pay then it is yours. If it is a direct deposit (electronic) error, then you will have to pay it back.

Answer 6

If they paid you by mistake, they can legally reclaim it. If it was just a couple days, they might not bother.

Answer 7

Their mistake!! Go to vegas!!