In Massachusetts, your final paycheck is due immediately, on the day of discharge if you are fired, and next paycheck, or the Saturday that follows the resignation, whichever is first if you quit.
Final paycheck deadline in Massachusetts
If you are fired or laid off
Immediately, on the day of discharge
If you quit
Next paycheck, or the Saturday that follows the resignation, whichever is first
What your final pay must include
Your final paycheck must include all the wages you earned through your last day. Whether it also has to include unused vacation depends on your state and your employer's policy, some states treat accrued vacation as wages that must be paid out. See Massachusetts PTO payout rules. If an employer misses the deadline, many states add penalties. This is general information, not legal advice.