When you start a new job, it is extremely important to find out the stand in terms of paychecks. In the interview, you will probably be aware of various things like the amount you will receive, whether you will be paid monthly weekly, or bi-weekly. But the question is When will I expect to receive my first paycheck?
In this blog, we will delve deeper into this topic of what if a job holds your first check when do you get it? And more questionnaires about it. Let’s get started.
You will simply expect to receive your first paycheck on the first scheduled payday after you have started your job but this isn’t the case. Sometimes, the employers will hold back your first paycheck. You shall question if is a legal thing to do. And, in case this happens, you shall wonder when can I expect my first paycheck.
Do Jobs Hold Your First Paycheck?
It is vitally important that we highlight exactly what it means to hold your first paycheck. If you’re unfamiliar with the background of the company you’re working with, it is easy to think that your paycheck has been held, but in reality, it is delayed.
Now, it is illegal on the employer’s part to hold your first paycheck, so in the first place no company will do this, but you may find that you’re paid for your work very late than you had expected.
If this happens, it is because your paycheck is delayed. Mostly, this is bound to happen if the company appears in deficit. This is something that has become common, and this happens when employees are paid for the work that they have done during the previous pay period instead of the current work. If you’re a new joiner, you will have worked in the last period, so you will not be paid anything for it.
So, no firm will hold your first paycheck as it stands against the law. This means that if you do not receive your first paycheck when expected, it is because it has been delayed. You should discuss this before you start a new job.
Why Do Jobs Hold Your First Paycheck?
As you know, it is illegal for companies to intentionally hold your first paycheck just because you are a new joiner. This is something that has made new joiners scared because there have been a lot of rumors about employers withholding your first paycheck until you have worked at the company for a valid period.
When you’re offered your first job, you will usually be informed about the payroll schedule which will include the pattern in which you will be paid and what date the money will be deposited in your account. But, unless you ask you will not be told about the company pay. As you have seen earlier, many firms will pay in deficit and this payment schedule can get confused for your paycheck being withheld.
This is why it is of extreme importance that you should speak to your new employer about the company’s payment schedule before you join. This shall avoid any confusion and stop any kind of bitterness before it begins.
How Much Amount Should Be There in Your First Paycheck?
When you start a new job it is both exciting and nervous at the same time. Starting a new job can have exciting opportunities for you because it opens new doors for you. But, if you have bills to pay then it is difficult to schedule them with your first paycheck.
Guessing how much money you should receive in your first paycheck is quite confusing, especially if you’re a salaried employee. Let us take a closer look at some of the moments which will affect this:
- Start Date: Employees will rarely start working for your firm on the very first day of the month. So, your first paycheck will always be less than you should expect for future paychecks.
- Deductions: The value of your paycheck will depend on the number of deductions made. So, the figure will be deducted from items like taxes, health insurance, etc.
- Payment Schedule: The figure which you’re paid will be influenced by your payment schedule which your employer shall follow. If your employer pays you every week, then it is assumed that the value of your paycheck will be very much less than what you were getting paid monthly.
How Shall I Receive My First Paycheck?
Another crucial thing that you should ask your employer before you join your job is how will receive your first paycheck. There are now a handful of different methods through which the employers will deliver your paycheck as this shall impact when you’re getting paid for the work that you have done.
Below are some of the ways through which you can receive your paychecks:
- Direct Deposit: In this method, the amount is then deposited directly into your bank account when you are due to receive your paycheck. You will have to provide your bank account details to the company ahead of the date when you’re due to get paid.
- Debit Card: this is a less common way to receive your paycheck, but it is directly onto your debit card. This is rare, but often firms offer debit cards to all the employees, and the wages are then added to these cards which can be used by all the employees as they want to.
- Physical: Some firms offer physical paychecks to their employees. These paychecks are either posted to you or are to be collected from the HR department. This can then be deposited into your bank account.
When Will I Receive My First Paycheck?
Firms are not allowed to hold your first paycheck, so you might be wondering when you expect it. Technically speaking until and unless you have agreed about something with your employer, you will be paid on the first company-wide payday. The one time when you might not receive a paycheck will be on this day if you were hired after the payroll has already been made for that month.
Mostly, if this occurs you will be paid for the days that you have worked on the following payday. But you will never have your first paycheck held back. To avoid any confusion, you can discuss how and when you should receive your first paycheck with your new employer.
Conclusion
Companies cannot hold back your first paycheck because it is against the law. If you do not receive your paycheck as expected, it is likely because it has been delayed. To avoid any confusion, you should discuss when you should be expected to be paid with your employer before you start your new job. To ensure transparency and compliance, employers should utilize modern tools such as online paystub generators to provide accurate and accessible records of employee compensation. Implementing a free paystub generator not only simplifies payroll processes but also demonstrates a commitment to fair and lawful employment practices.
