In short
- The Code on Wages, 2019 came into force on 21 November 2025, replacing the Payment of Wages Act, the Minimum Wages Act and related laws.
- For monthly wages, the Code requires payment before the end of the seventh day of the following month.
- When employment ends (resignation, removal, dismissal or retrenchment), wages due must be paid within two working days.
- Claims for unpaid wages can be made to the authority appointed under the Code, generally within three years.
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02What the law says
The Code on Wages, 2019 consolidates India's main wage laws. Section 17 sets time limits for paying wages: daily wages at the end of the shift, weekly wages before the weekly holiday, fortnightly wages before the end of the second day after the fortnight, and monthly wages before the end of the seventh day of the next month. Where an employee is removed, dismissed, retrenched or resigns, the wages due must be paid within two working days.
Section 45 lets an employee (or their registered trade union, or an Inspector-cum-Facilitator) file a claim about unpaid wages before an authority of at least Gazetted Officer rank appointed by the "appropriate government". For most private employers that is the state government's labour department. For establishments under the central government, it is an officer appointed by the Centre. The claim can generally be filed within three years from when it arose, and the authority can accept a later claim if there's sufficient cause. Because the authority and the procedure are set by the appropriate government, they differ from state to state.
Other laws can also matter, such as your employment contract, the Industrial Relations Code, 2020 for disputes involving "workers", and EPFO rules if provident fund contributions weren't deposited. Depending on your role and salary, a civil suit for recovery may also be an option.
Your state
State-specific notes for this guide are coming soon. Rules differ by state, so check with your state's official authority.
03Where you can go
- HR or management, in writing. A written request for the unpaid amount and the date it will be paid creates a record.
- Labour department. A claim can be filed with the authority under the Code on Wages in your state.
- EPFO grievance portal if PF contributions shown on your payslip weren't deposited.
- Civil court for recovery, which some employees use depending on their role and contract.
04How it usually works
- 01
Employees usually keep a record of what's due: months unpaid, amounts, and any partial payments.
- 02
They write to the employer and keep a copy.
- 03
If it isn't resolved, a claim can be filed with the labour authority, which can hear both sides and order payment.
- 04
Orders can be appealed within 90 days (Section 49), or later if the appellate authority accepts there was sufficient cause.
05Time limits
- Seventh day of the next month: deadline for monthly wages.
- Two working days: for dues when employment ends.
- Three years: to file a claim under the Code, with possible extension for sufficient cause.
- 90 days: to appeal an order on a claim.
06Documents to gather
- Offer letter or appointment letter, and the employment contract
- Payslips and bank statements showing what was and wasn't paid
- Attendance records, timesheets or emails showing the work done
- Resignation, termination or relieving letter, and any full-and-final settlement statement
- Emails and messages about the delay
07Common questions
08Questions to ask an advocate
If you speak to an advocate, these questions can help make the conversation useful.
- Should I file under the Code on Wages, the Industrial Relations Code, or a civil suit?
- Which authority covers my workplace?
- How do I claim interest or compensation for the delay?