The rule.
Involuntary Termination
Next business day
Voluntary Resignation
Next regular payday or 7 days, whichever earlier
PTO / Vacation Payout Required?
Yes — if accrued under policy or contract
Penalty for Non-Compliance
Treble damages (3× unpaid wages) plus 10%/day liquidated damages plus attorney fees
Statute / Citation
DC Code § 32-1303 — official source
Next business day rule for involuntary — have check ready before termination meeting. Treble damages exposure under Wage Theft Prevention Amendment Act is among the highest in the country.
Last verified: June 2026.
What's in the Final Pay & Termination Requirements workbook
What's in the workbook
Final Pay & Termination — every state covered. Visible items show the chapters; locked items reveal the structural depth.
- ✓State Reference
- ✓By Situation
- ✓Separation Checklist
- ✓Monthly Updates
- 🔒Day Of Separation
- 🔒Within 24–72 Hours
- 🔒Within 1 Week
- 🔒Retain Permanently
- 🔒By-situation grid (fired / resigned with notice / resigned without notice)
$39
Final Pay & Termination Requirements — instant download, Excel + Google Sheets, free monthly updates for life.
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