What should an employer do regarding a terminated employee's final paycheck?

The requirement for an employer to provide a terminated employee's final paycheck immediately aligns with many state labor laws that mandate prompt payment of wages due upon termination. In several jurisdictions, final wages must be paid at the time of termination or within a very short time frame. This immediacy is meant to protect employees from financial hardship and ensure they receive compensation they earned for their work.

While some states may have different rules regarding the timing of final pay, immediate payment is often encouraged or required. The necessity for employers to comply with these regulations underscores the importance of understanding local labor laws and ensuring appropriate practices are followed during the termination process.

In this context, the other options do not correctly reflect the common legal requirements: delaying payment for up to 30 days, including bonuses without qualification, or withholding the final payment until the next payday do not conform to the imperative that employees should receive their due compensation promptly after termination, wherever possible.