In Illinois, you should be paid at least twice a month. If you are paid twice a month or every two weeks, your employer must pay you within 13 days from the end of the pay period. If you are paid weekly, your employer must pay you within 7 days from the end of the pay period. Commissions may be paid once per month.

Do I need to have all my pay stubs to prove I was underpaid?

No. While you should keep any evidence that you have indicating that you were underpaid, such as pay stubs, time cards, and W-2, it is not necessary. State and federal laws require your employer to keep records of your hours and pay.

When must I be paid if I am fired or leave my job?

You must be paid everything you are owed by your employer by the next regularly scheduled payday. You have the right to ask in writing that your final wages be paid by check and mailed to you. If your employer offers vacation pay, you also should be paid any paid vacation time you earned but did not take.

Can I still recover my owed wages if my employer is no longer operating?

Yes. Even if your employer has stopped operating and has closed its doors, they still owe you your earned wages. Both the company that hired you as well as individuals in charge of the company are responsible for paying you all of your owed wages.