Paying Terminated Employees in Rhode Island

Employers in Rhode Island must comply with these state requirements when making the final wage payment to terminated employees.

When an employment relationship is severed, any unpaid wages or compensation are payable on the next regular payday at the usual place of payment.

In addition, employees who have completed one year of service must be paid any accrued vacation pay on the next regular payday.

Employees who lose their jobs due to the employer's liquidation, merger, disposition or removal of its business out of state must be paid within 24 hours of the time of termination at the usual place of payment.

When an employee separates or is separated from employment after one year of service, any vacation pay accrued or awarded by collective bargaining, a written or verbal company policy, or any other written or verbal agreement between the employer and the employee, becomes wages due and payable on the next regular payday.

Employers must pay striking employees on the next regular payday.


©2025 CCH Incorporated and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.