Do You Get Paid For Vacation Days If You Resign?

Last updated on May 5, 2023 / By 

Vacation days are a popular perk of employment that many employees look forward to. They allow workers to take time off from their jobs and recharge their batteries, spend time with family and friends, or pursue personal interests. However, what happens to your accrued vacation days when you resign or quit your job? Do you get paid for those days or lose them altogether? This article will answer those questions and provide some insight into vacation policies.


First and foremost, it’s essential to note that the answer to whether you get paid for your vacation days after resigning depends on several factors. These factors may include state laws, company policies, employment contracts, and collective bargaining agreements. Therefore, it is advisable to check with your employer’s HR department or review your employment contract to determine the specifics of your situation.

In general, if you are employed in a state that requires employers to pay out accrued vacation days upon termination, you are entitled to receive compensation for those days. However, if your state does not have a law mandating the payment of accrued vacation days, your employer may have the discretion to either pay you or not. Additionally, if you have signed an employment contract that outlines the terms of payment for vacation days upon termination, that will also dictate whether or not you are eligible for payment.

In cases where your employer does not have a specific policy or agreement in place, they may be guided by common practice. Some employers may choose to pay out accrued vacation days as a gesture of goodwill or to maintain a positive relationship with the employee, while others may not.

If you are entitled to payment for your accrued vacation days, the calculation of that payment may also vary. Some employers may pay out the value of the unused vacation days based on the employee’s current salary rate, while others may base it on the rate at which the employee earned their vacation days.

It is worth noting that some companies have a “use it or lose it” policy, which means that employees must use their vacation days by a certain date or forfeit them. In such cases, if an employee does not use their vacation days before resigning or quitting, they will not be entitled to any payment.

Another factor to consider is whether or not an employee has taken more vacation days than they have earned. If this is the case, an employer may be entitled to deduct the value of those excess days from any payment owed to the employee.

In conclusion, whether or not you get paid for your vacation days after resigning depends on several factors, including state laws, company policies, employment contracts, and collective bargaining agreements. If you are entitled to payment, the calculation of that payment may also vary. It is essential to check with your employer’s HR department or review your employment contract to determine the specifics of your situation.