Requirements: Final Paychecks & Notices
If the employee is terminated: Immediately.
If the employee quits: Within 72 hours of notice of quitting or, if the employee provided 72 hours’ notice, on their last day of work.
If the employee dies: To the employee’s surviving spouse or the estate conservator up to $15,000.00 when they present an affidavit
The method of payment is as follows:
If the employee is terminated: At the place of termination.
If the employee quits with at least 72 hours’ notice: At the employer’s office in the county where they worked.
If the employee quits without 72 hours’ notice: At the employer’s office in the county where they worked or by mail if they request it and provide a mailing address.
Specific rules apply to certain industries, such as canning fruits, motion pictures, and oil drilling.
Notices
Employers in California must provide their employees with a notice when their employment status changes (e.g., discharge, layoff, leave of absence). The Employment Development Department provides a sample form here.
Employers must also provide their employees with a pamphlet about unemployment benefits, which is available here.