New Hampshire Final Paycheck Law (2026)

When your last paycheck is due in New Hampshire after you leave a job, whether you quit or were fired, and what it has to include.

Updated for 2026 Verified Jul 6, 2026

Compiled and verified by David Scott · Verified Jul 6, 2026

In New Hampshire, your final paycheck is due within 72 hours of termination if you are fired, and next scheduled payday, or within 72 hours if the employee gave at least one pay period of notice if you quit.

Final paycheck deadline in New Hampshire

If you are fired or laid off

Within 72 hours of termination

If you quit

Next scheduled payday, or within 72 hours if the employee gave at least one pay period of notice

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 New Hampshire PTO payout rules. If an employer misses the deadline, many states add penalties. This is general information, not legal advice.

Common questions

New Hampshire final paycheck FAQ

When is my final paycheck due in New Hampshire if I am fired?

If you are fired in New Hampshire, your final paycheck is due within 72 hours of termination.

When is my final paycheck due if I quit in New Hampshire?

If you quit in New Hampshire, your final paycheck is due next scheduled payday, or within 72 hours if the employee gave at least one pay period of notice.

Does my final paycheck include unused PTO?

It depends on your state and your employer's policy. Some states require accrued vacation to be paid out at separation. See New Hampshire PTO payout rules for details.

Can an employer withhold my final paycheck in New Hampshire?

No. An employer cannot withhold earned wages. They can make lawful deductions, but the wages you have earned are owed by the state deadline, whether or not you return company property (with narrow exceptions in a few states).

Where can I find the official New Hampshire rule?

The New Hampshire Department of Labor and your state wage-payment law govern final pay. The official source is linked on this page.

David Scott

David Scott compiles and verifies minimum wage rates, tipped wages, and overtime rules from official state and federal labor department sources, and re-checks every page when rates change. See how the data is sourced.