Leaving a job: wages within two working days
Section 17(2) of the Code on Wages, 2019: when an employee is removed or dismissed, retrenched, has resigned, or became unemployed because the establishment closed, the wages payable shall be paid within two working days of that event.
Time limits for wages
| Situation | Paid by |
|---|---|
| Monthly wages, while you work | Before the end of the 7th day of the next month (s. 17(1)(iv)) |
| Weekly wages | Last working day of the week (s. 17(1)(ii)) |
| Resignation, removal, dismissal, retrenchment, closure | Within 2 working days (s. 17(2)) |
Example: Neha’s last day
Illustrative example only. Neha’s last working day is Friday, 4 December 2026. Counting Monday to Friday as working days:
| Day | Date |
|---|---|
| Last day | Fri, 4 Dec 2026 |
| Working day 1 | Mon, 7 Dec 2026 |
| Working day 2 — wages due | Tue, 8 Dec 2026 |
⚠️ Note. The government may set a different time limit in some circumstances (s. 17(3)), and other laws may have their own limits (s. 17(4)). Ask HR for the full and final statement in writing and keep a copy of your relieving date.
Checklist
- ☐ Last working day in writing (resignation acceptance or termination letter)
- ☐ Wages for days worked in the last month
- ☐ Any other dues listed line by line in the F&F statement
- ☐ Date you received the money
The letter is ready
A polite request to HR citing s. 17(2): fill in your dates and the amounts owed.
Legal basis: Code on Wages, 2019 (Act 29 of 2019), s. 17 (time limit for payment of wages) — indiacode.nic.in. Checked 01.11.2026. Not legal advice.