When will I get my final pay?
The rule is simple: your employer must release your final pay within 30 days from the date of separation, unless your company policy or contract sets a shorter period (DOLE Labor Advisory No. 06, series of 2020). This applies whatever the reason you left — resignation, end of contract, redundancy or dismissal.
So if your last day is 15 December 2026, the deadline is 14 January 2027. Many companies pay sooner, often on the next payroll after your clearance is done.
What should be in it?
| Item | Who gets it | Example (₱25,000, last day 15 Dec 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Unpaid salary for days worked | Everyone | ₱11,494.25 (10 days) |
| Pro-rated 13th month pay | Every rank-and-file employee who worked at least one month this year | ₱23,904.11 |
| Cash conversion of unused leave | Unused service incentive leave (5 days a year) and convertible company leave | ₱5,747.13 (5 days) |
| Separation pay | Only for authorized causes (redundancy, retrenchment, closure, disease) | ₱0.00 (resignation) |
| Tax refund | If too much tax was withheld during the year | after annualization |
| Total | ₱41,145.49 |
The calculator above is filled in with this example: a ₱25,000 monthly salary, 5 days a week, start date 4 January 2021 and resignation effective 15 December 2026. The pro-rated 13th month covers 1 January to 15 December — about ₱286,849.32 of basic salary divided by 12. If your employer already paid part of your 13th month (some pay half in May or June), enter it in “13th month already paid” and it will be deducted.
Documents you should also receive
- Certificate of Employment — within 3 days from your request.
- BIR Form 2316 — your certificate of compensation and tax withheld, needed by your next employer.
- Your payslip or a breakdown of the final pay, so you can check it against this calculator.
Can they hold my final pay because of clearance?
Companies may ask you to complete clearance first — return company property and settle accountabilities like cash advances or loans. That’s allowed, and authorized deductions can be taken from final pay. But clearance shouldn’t become a reason to delay for months. The 30-day period is the benchmark DOLE uses.
What if it’s late?
- Send a polite written follow-up to HR, mentioning your last day and the 30-day rule.
- If nothing happens, file a request for assistance under DOLE’s Single Entry Approach (SEnA). It’s free, quick, and most cases are settled in conciliation within 30 days.
- Money claims under the Labor Code prescribe after 3 years, so don’t wait too long.
FAQ
How many days before final pay is released?
Within 30 days from the date of separation, under DOLE Labor Advisory No. 06-2020, unless a company policy or contract gives a shorter period.
What is included in final pay in the Philippines?
Unpaid salary, pro-rated 13th month, cash conversion of unused leave, separation pay if the cause requires it, and any tax refund. Example: ₱25,000 salary, resignation on 15 December 2026, 10 unpaid days and 5 leave days = ₱41,145.49.
What can I do if my final pay is delayed?
Follow up in writing with HR, then file a free request for assistance with DOLE under the Single Entry Approach (SEnA). Money claims prescribe after 3 years.
Sources (checked 5 November 2026): Labor Code of the Philippines, Arts. 95, 297, 298 and 299 (renumbered, DOLE Department Advisory No. 01-2015); PD 851 and its revised guidelines; DOLE Labor Advisory No. 06, series of 2020 (dole.gov.ph); NIRC Sec. 32(B)(6)(b) and 32(B)(7)(e) as amended by RA 10963 (TRAIN), bir.gov.ph.