Most states have laws that require employers to pay employees their wages with some minimum frequency—usually either twice a month (semi-monthly) or every other week (bi-weekly)—and some states require weekly or monthly payment of wages.

These laws are known as payday laws and also dictate when an employee who has been fired/terminated or quit must be paid their final paycheck—in some states, immediately; in some states within a certain number of days; and in some states on the next regularly-scheduled payday.

Payday laws vary from state to state and are usually included in a state’s statutes—often in the labor code or other statutes governing employer-employee relations.

In Maine, the regulations regarding the payment of wages are outlined in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 26, Chapter 7. Employers are required to pay their employees on a regular basis, which cannot exceed 16 days between pay periods, effectively mandating at least semi-monthly payments. Additionally, when an employee is terminated or quits, Maine law stipulates that the final paycheck must be provided no later than the next business day if the employee is laid off or discharged. If an employee quits, the final paycheck is due on the next regular payday that is at least three days after the employer received notice of the employee's resignation. These requirements ensure that employees receive their earned wages in a timely manner and provide clear guidelines for the final payment in the event of termination or resignation.