Payment of Wages: Nebraska

Federal law and guidance on this subject should be reviewed together with this section.

Authors: Kathryn E. Jones and Meghan M. Blinn, Kutak Rock LLP

Summary

• The term wages is broadly defined in the Nebraska wage payment law. See Definition of Wages.
• Nebraska law does not dictate to employers how they must pay employees. Payment by payroll debit card is permitted under certain conditions. See Wage Payment Methods.
• In Nebraska, employees must be paid on regular paydays designated in advance. See Pay Frequency.
• Nebraska employers may not make deductions from their employees' pay without written authorization or unless a deduction is required or permitted by law. See Permitted and Prohibited Wage Deductions.
• An employer must provide a pay statement to each employee on payday either by mail, electronically or at the regular worksite during regular business hours. See Pay Statement Requirements.
• Terminated employees must be paid their final wages by the earlier of the next regular payday or within two weeks of the date of termination. Earned but unused vacation leave is due on termination. Commissions must be paid under certain circumstances. See Final Pay.
• Nebraska's general estates law may apply to an employer who owes wages or other property to a deceased employee. See Deceased Employee Wages.
• Unclaimed wages are considered abandoned property after one year. Employers must file an annual report of unclaimed wages and provide notification to affected employees that wages will be reported to the state. Penalties are imposed for noncompliance. See Unclaimed Wages.