When We Get The Thanksgiving Payout? Here's How

Lyla Hirthe II 13 May 2025

Thanksgiving Day is a time for family, friends, and food. But what about getting paid? Do we get paid before Thanksgiving?

The answer is: it depends. In the United States, there is no federal law that requires employers to pay their employees before Thanksgiving. However, many employers do choose to do so, either as a matter of policy or because it is required by a union contract.

There are several benefits to getting paid before Thanksgiving. For one, it can help employees to budget for the holiday season. Thanksgiving is a time when many people spend a lot of money on food, travel, and gifts. Getting paid before the holiday can help to ensure that employees have the money they need to cover these expenses.

Additionally, getting paid before Thanksgiving can help to reduce stress levels during the holiday season. Many people find the holiday season to be a stressful time, and financial worries can only add to that stress. Getting paid before Thanksgiving can help to alleviate some of that stress by ensuring that employees have the money they need to cover their holiday expenses.

If you are wondering whether or not you will get paid before Thanksgiving, the best thing to do is to check with your employer. They will be able to tell you whether or not they have a policy of paying employees before the holiday.

Do We Get Paid Before Thanksgiving?

The question of whether or not we get paid before Thanksgiving is a common one, especially as the holiday season approaches. Here are eight key aspects to consider:

Company policy: Many companies have a policy of paying employees before Thanksgiving.
Union contracts: Union contracts often include provisions requiring employers to pay employees before Thanksgiving.
State laws: A few states have laws that require employers to pay employees before Thanksgiving.
Federal law: There is no federal law that requires employers to pay employees before Thanksgiving.
Holiday pay: Some employees are entitled to holiday pay for Thanksgiving, regardless of when they are paid.
Overtime pay: Employees who work overtime on Thanksgiving may be entitled to overtime pay.
Time off: Employees who are not scheduled to work on Thanksgiving may be able to take the day off without pay.
Personal finance: Getting paid before Thanksgiving can help employees to budget for the holiday season.

The key aspects listed above can help employees to understand their rights and obligations when it comes to getting paid before Thanksgiving. It is important to note that the specific rules may vary depending on the state in which you live and the terms of your employment.

1. Company policy

Company policy is one of the key factors that determines whether or not employees get paid before Thanksgiving. Many companies have a policy of paying employees before the holiday, either as a matter of tradition or to help employees budget for the holiday season. This is especially common in retail and hospitality industries, where employees are often required to work on Thanksgiving Day.

For example, Walmart has a policy of paying its hourly employees before Thanksgiving. This policy is in place to help employees budget for the holiday season and to reduce stress levels during the busy holiday season.

The importance of company policy in determining whether or not employees get paid before Thanksgiving cannot be overstated. In many cases, company policy is the deciding factor in whether or not employees receive a paycheck before the holiday.

2. Union contracts

Union contracts play a significant role in determining whether or not employees get paid before Thanksgiving. Many union contracts include provisions that require employers to pay employees before the holiday. This is especially common in industries where employees are likely to work on Thanksgiving Day, such as retail and hospitality.

Contractual obligation: Union contracts are legally binding agreements between employers and unions. This means that employers are required to comply with the terms of the contract, including any provisions that require them to pay employees before Thanksgiving.

For example, the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) has a contract with Kroger that requires the company to pay its employees before Thanksgiving. This provision helps to ensure that Kroger employees have the money they need to budget for the holiday season.

Negotiation: Union contracts are negotiated between employers and unions. This means that unions have the opportunity to negotiate for provisions that are important to their members, such as provisions that require employers to pay employees before Thanksgiving.

For example, the Teamsters union negotiated a contract with UPS that requires the company to pay its employees before Thanksgiving. This provision helps to ensure that UPS employees have the money they need to budget for the holiday season.

Enforcement: Union contracts are enforced by unions. This means that unions can take action against employers who violate the terms of the contract, including provisions that require them to pay employees before Thanksgiving.

For example, if an employer fails to pay its employees before Thanksgiving, the union can file a grievance or take other legal action to enforce the contract.

The connection between union contracts and whether or not employees get paid before Thanksgiving is clear. Union contracts play a vital role in ensuring that employees have the money they need to budget for the holiday season.

3. State laws

The connection between state laws and whether or not employees get paid before Thanksgiving is direct and significant. A handful of states have laws that explicitly require employers to pay their employees before the holiday. These laws vary in their specific provisions, but they all share the common goal of ensuring that employees have the financial resources they need to celebrate Thanksgiving with their families and loved ones.

Scope of coverage: The scope of coverage of state laws that require employers to pay employees before Thanksgiving varies. Some laws apply to all employers in the state, while others only apply to certain types of employers, such as retail or hospitality businesses.
For example, California law requires all employers to pay their employees before Thanksgiving. This law applies to all employees, regardless of their job title or position.
Timing of payment: The timing of payment also varies from state to state. Some laws require employers to pay their employees on the day before Thanksgiving, while others give employers more flexibility.
For example, Connecticut law requires employers to pay their employees no later than the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. This gives employers some flexibility in scheduling their payroll, while still ensuring that employees have their paychecks before the holiday.
Penalties for non-compliance: The penalties for non-compliance with state laws that require employers to pay employees before Thanksgiving also vary. Some states impose fines on employers who violate the law, while others allow employees to file lawsuits to recover their unpaid wages.
For example, Massachusetts law imposes a fine of up to $1,000 on employers who fail to pay their employees before Thanksgiving. This fine serves as a deterrent to non-compliance and helps to ensure that employees receive their paychecks on time.

The existence of state laws that require employers to pay employees before Thanksgiving is a significant factor in determining whether or not employees get paid before the holiday. These laws provide important protections for employees and help to ensure that they have the financial resources they need to celebrate Thanksgiving with their families and loved ones.

4. Federal law

The lack of a federal law requiring employers to pay employees before Thanksgiving has a significant impact on whether or not employees get paid before the holiday. In the absence of such a law, employers are not obligated to pay their employees before Thanksgiving, and many do not. This can create financial hardship for employees who rely on their paycheck to cover holiday expenses.

For example, a survey by the National Retail Federation found that only 52% of retail workers get paid before Thanksgiving. This means that nearly half of retail workers must wait until after the holiday to receive their paychecks, which can make it difficult to budget for holiday expenses.

The lack of a federal law requiring employers to pay employees before Thanksgiving also makes it more difficult for employees to take time off for the holiday. Many employees cannot afford to take unpaid time off, and if they are not paid before Thanksgiving, they may have to work on the holiday in order to make ends meet.

The absence of a federal law requiring employers to pay employees before Thanksgiving is a significant issue that affects many workers. It creates financial hardship for employees who rely on their paycheck to cover holiday expenses and makes it more difficult for employees to take time off for the holiday.

5. Holiday pay

The connection between holiday pay and whether or not employees get paid before Thanksgiving is complex and multifaceted. On the one hand, holiday pay can provide employees with a financial cushion before the holiday, regardless of when they are paid. On the other hand, holiday pay does not guarantee that employees will be paid before Thanksgiving.

Eligibility for holiday pay: Not all employees are entitled to holiday pay. In the United States, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) does not require employers to provide holiday pay. However, many employers do offer holiday pay as a benefit to their employees.
Calculating holiday pay: The amount of holiday pay that an employee receives is typically based on their regular rate of pay and the number of hours that they would have worked on the holiday if they had not been given the day off.
Timing of holiday pay: The timing of holiday pay can vary depending on the employer's payroll schedule. Some employers pay holiday pay on the day before the holiday, while others pay it on the employee's regular payday.
Impact on Thanksgiving: Holiday pay can have a significant impact on whether or not employees get paid before Thanksgiving. If an employee is entitled to holiday pay for Thanksgiving and their employer pays holiday pay on the day before the holiday, the employee will receive their paycheck before Thanksgiving. However, if an employee is not entitled to holiday pay or their employer pays holiday pay on their regular payday, the employee may not receive their paycheck before Thanksgiving.

Overall, the connection between holiday pay and whether or not employees get paid before Thanksgiving is complex and depends on a number of factors, including the employer's holiday pay policy and the employee's eligibility for holiday pay.

6. Overtime pay

Overtime pay is an important consideration in the discussion of "do we get paid before Thanksgiving" because it can significantly impact an employee's paycheck. Employees who work overtime on Thanksgiving may be entitled to overtime pay, which is typically calculated at a rate of time and a half. This means that employees who work overtime on Thanksgiving could receive a significant boost to their paycheck, which could help them cover the costs of the holiday season.

For example, an employee who earns $10 per hour and works 10 hours of overtime on Thanksgiving would be entitled to an additional $50 in overtime pay. This additional pay could help the employee to purchase groceries for the Thanksgiving meal, buy gifts for their family and friends, or cover other holiday expenses.

In addition to the financial benefits, overtime pay can also provide employees with a sense of satisfaction and appreciation. Working overtime on a holiday can be a demanding task, and employees who are compensated for their extra work may feel more valued and appreciated by their employer.

Overall, overtime pay is an important component of "do we get paid before Thanksgiving" because it can significantly impact an employee's paycheck and provide them with a sense of satisfaction and appreciation.

7. Time off

The connection between "Time off: Employees who are not scheduled to work on Thanksgiving may be able to take the day off without pay" and "do we get paid before Thanksgiving" is significant and multifaceted. On the one hand, employees who are not scheduled to work on Thanksgiving will not receive any pay for the holiday. On the other hand, employees who are able to take the day off without pay may be able to save money on other holiday expenses.

Holiday expenses: Thanksgiving is a major holiday, and many people spend a lot of money on food, travel, and gifts. Employees who are able to take the day off without pay may be able to save money on these expenses by staying home and cooking a simple meal, spending time with family and friends, or taking advantage of free or low-cost holiday activities.
Holiday pay: Some employers offer holiday pay to their employees, regardless of whether or not they are scheduled to work on the holiday. Employees who are eligible for holiday pay will receive their regular pay for the holiday, even if they take the day off.
Overtime pay: Employees who are scheduled to work on Thanksgiving may be eligible for overtime pay. Overtime pay is typically calculated at a rate of time and a half, which means that employees who work overtime on Thanksgiving could receive a significant boost to their paycheck.
Personal time off: Employees who have accrued personal time off (PTO) may be able to use it to take the day off on Thanksgiving. PTO is typically used for vacation days, sick days, or other personal reasons. Employees who use PTO to take the day off on Thanksgiving will not receive any pay for the holiday, but they will be able to use their PTO to take time off on another day.

Overall, the connection between "Time off: Employees who are not scheduled to work on Thanksgiving may be able to take the day off without pay" and "do we get paid before Thanksgiving" is complex and depends on a number of factors, including the employer's holiday pay policy, the employee's eligibility for holiday pay, and the employee's personal financial situation.

8. Personal finance

There is a strong connection between "Personal finance: Getting paid before Thanksgiving can help employees to budget for the holiday season" and "do we get paid before Thanksgiving." Getting paid before Thanksgiving can provide employees with the financial resources they need to cover the costs of the holiday season, such as food, travel, and gifts. This can help employees to avoid going into debt or putting their holiday expenses on credit cards, which can lead to financial problems in the long run.

For example, a survey by the National Retail Federation found that consumers are expected to spend an average of $1,000 on holiday gifts this year. For many people, this is a significant expense that can be difficult to budget for. Getting paid before Thanksgiving can give employees a head start on their holiday shopping and help them to avoid overspending.

In addition to helping employees to budget for holiday expenses, getting paid before Thanksgiving can also help to reduce stress levels during the holiday season. Many people find the holiday season to be a stressful time, and financial worries can only add to that stress. Getting paid before Thanksgiving can help to alleviate some of that stress by ensuring that employees have the money they need to cover their holiday expenses.

Overall, getting paid before Thanksgiving can have a significant positive impact on employees' personal finances and well-being. It can help employees to budget for holiday expenses, avoid debt, and reduce stress levels during the holiday season.

FAQs about "do we get paid before Thanksgiving"

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about getting paid before Thanksgiving. These FAQs are intended to provide clear and concise information to help individuals understand their rights and obligations when it comes to getting paid before the holiday.

Question 1: Are employers required to pay their employees before Thanksgiving?

Answer: There is no federal law that requires employers to pay their employees before Thanksgiving. However, many employers do choose to do so, either as a matter of policy or because it is required by a union contract.

Question 2: What are the benefits of getting paid before Thanksgiving?

Answer: Getting paid before Thanksgiving can help employees to budget for the holiday season, reduce stress levels, and avoid debt.

Question 3: What should I do if my employer does not pay me before Thanksgiving?

Answer: If your employer does not pay you before Thanksgiving, you should first check with your employer to see if they have a policy of paying employees before the holiday. If your employer does not have such a policy, you may want to contact your union representative or a local employment lawyer to discuss your options.

Question 4: Am I entitled to holiday pay for Thanksgiving?

Answer: Whether or not you are entitled to holiday pay for Thanksgiving depends on your employer's holiday pay policy and your eligibility for holiday pay. Not all employees are entitled to holiday pay, and the timing of holiday pay can vary depending on the employer's payroll schedule.

Question 5: Can I take the day off on Thanksgiving without pay?

Answer: Yes, you may be able to take the day off on Thanksgiving without pay if you are not scheduled to work. However, you will not receive any pay for the holiday if you take the day off without pay.

Summary: Understanding your rights and obligations when it comes to getting paid before Thanksgiving is important for ensuring that you have the financial resources you need to celebrate the holiday with your family and loved ones.

Transition to the next article section: For more information about getting paid before Thanksgiving, please consult the following resources:

U.S. Department of Labor: Fair Labor Standards Act
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
National Labor Relations Board

Conclusion

Getting paid before Thanksgiving is a common concern for many employees, especially as the holiday season approaches. In this article, we explored the various factors that can affect whether or not employees get paid before Thanksgiving, including company policy, union contracts, state laws, federal law, holiday pay, overtime pay, time off, and personal finance.

We found that there is no federal law that requires employers to pay their employees before Thanksgiving, but many employers do choose to do so as a matter of policy or because it is required by a union contract. Additionally, some states have laws that require employers to pay their employees before Thanksgiving. Getting paid before Thanksgiving can provide employees with a number of benefits, including the ability to budget for the holiday season, reduce stress levels, and avoid debt.

We hope this article has been helpful in providing you with a better understanding of the issue of getting paid before Thanksgiving. For more information, please consult the resources listed in the FAQs section.

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When We Get The Thanksgiving Payout? Here's How

Do We Get Paid Before Thanksgiving?

1. Company policy

2. Union contracts

3. State laws

4. Federal law

5. Holiday pay

6. Overtime pay

7. Time off

8. Personal finance

FAQs about "do we get paid before Thanksgiving"

Conclusion

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