Received late or insufficient pay? Here are the steps you can take
Check your payslip and bank statements
When an employer pays late or too low a salary, it is important to check first whether you are actually entitled to a higher amount. Therefore, check your payslip and bank statements carefully. Compare the amount received with the agreements in your employment contract or collective bargaining agreement. Take into account any deductions such as pension contributions and payroll taxes.
View payment due date
Every employer must pay the salary within a certain period of time. This term is often stipulated in the employment contract or collective bargaining agreement. If nothing has been agreed, the legal deadline applies: the salary must then be paid no later than the following month. If this deadline is exceeded, this is considered late payment.
Contact your employer
The next step is to approach your employer. This can be done by phone or email. Ask politely about the reason for the overdue payment and when you can expect your paycheck. In many cases, a simple miscommunication may be the cause and the problem will be resolved quickly.
Send a formal request for payment
If a verbal request does not clarify matters or you disagree with the employer's statement, it is wise to send a formal letter or e-mail. In it, you request payment within seven days and point out your legal rights, such as the right to statutory interest and an increase for late payment. A lawyer or attorney can help you draft this letter.
Enlist legal help and go to court
If payment is not made after your written request, the next step is legal action. Together with a lawyer or attorney, you can go to the subdistrict court or start summary proceedings. The court can order the employer to pay the overdue wages, including statutory interest and an increase of up to 50% of the amount due.
Right to subsidized legal aid
If you fall in a lower income bracket, you may be eligible for subsidized legal aid. In 2021, workers with an income of up to EUR 30,000 were potentially entitled to an addition, with only a limited co-payment due. With an income below EUR 21,300, this own contribution was EUR 159.
Conclusion
A late or incomplete salary payment can have unpleasant financial consequences. By following the steps above and seeking timely legal help, you can enforce your rights and claim your wages.
This blog was written by Mr. Stijn Blom, employment lawyer at Arbeidsadvocaat.nl B.V. Stijn has extensive experience in employment law and assists entrepreneurs daily with a wide range of employment-related matters. From dismissal cases to drafting watertight contracts and policies – with his practical and personal approach, he helps employers and employees move forward. Want to know more?Visit Stijn's page.
Arbeidsadvocaat.nl is happy to think with you if you have questions about salary payments. Please feel free to get in touch .
April 2025
