Payment methods (direct deposit, pay cards)
You cannot force direct deposit or pay cards; both must be voluntary, and employees must be offered payment by cash or check. Pay card wages must be accessible in full without discount. Source: labor.illinois.gov↗ (opens in a new tab)
Pay stubs
Since January 1, 2025, give a pay stub every pay period showing hours, pay rates, overtime and deductions. Keep copies 3 years; current and former staff can request copies at least twice a year. Source: ilga.gov↗ (opens in a new tab)
Penalties
Employees can file a wage claim with the Illinois Department of Labor. Extra damages for late pay exist under 820 ILCS 115/14. Source: labor.illinois.gov↗ (opens in a new tab)
Recent changes
From January 1, 2025 (Public Act 103-0953), employers must give pay stubs every pay period, keep them 3 years, and provide copies to current or former employees on request. Source: ilga.gov↗ (opens in a new tab)
The law and where to check
The law: 820 ILCS 115/4 (Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act) (opens in a new tab)
The agency: Illinois Department of Labor (opens in a new tab)
What federal law says
Federal law does not set how often employers must pay. Under the FLSA, wages are due on the regular payday for the pay period. State laws set the frequency. Source: U.S. DOL — state payday table↗ (opens in a new tab)
Pay frequency checklist for Illinois employers
A simple order of work, based on the rules above. It is not a legal checklist.
- Pick a pay schedule that meets the minimum frequency above.
- Set fixed paydays within the time limit after each pay period ends.
- Tell employees their payday in writing, and post it if required.
- Choose payment methods your state allows (check, direct deposit, pay card).
- Give a pay stub with the details your state requires.
- Keep payroll records.
More Illinois employment law guides
- All Illinois employment laws
- Illinois final paycheck law
- Illinois paid sick leave law
- Illinois meal and rest break laws
- Illinois overtime law
- Illinois vacation and PTO payout law
- Illinois new hire reporting
- Illinois at-will exceptions
Pay frequency laws in other states
See every state on one page, or pick a state:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Sources
All official government sources, last checked October 19, 2026.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information based on publicly available official sources and is for information only. It is not legal, tax, payroll or employment-law advice and does not guarantee compliance with federal, state or local requirements. Rules can depend on your location, industry, contracts and other circumstances, and laws change. Always check the official source, the relevant government agency or a qualified professional before making a decision. MadyHR.ai accepts no responsibility for any action taken based on this page.
Last checked: . Every rule and source link on this page was checked against the official government source on this date. Laws change, so always open the source link before you act.