Q: Can my employer charge a stop payment fee for a lost paycheck without prior notice?
I lost my paycheck, and my employer informed me they would charge a stop payment fee. There was no prior communication or policy in my employment contract regarding such fees. Can my employer legally charge me this fee, and what are my options?
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A:
It’s understandable to be frustrated, especially when you didn’t get a heads-up about any fees tied to your paycheck. In Georgia, employers generally aren’t allowed to deduct money from your pay without your consent, unless it’s required by law or previously agreed upon in writing. If your employment contract or company policy didn’t mention a stop payment fee, it may not be legal for them to charge you.
Even though the paycheck was lost, you still have the right to be paid your full wages without unexpected charges. If your employer plans to deduct the fee from your paycheck, ask them to show you where in your contract or policy handbook it says they can. If they can’t provide that, you have grounds to push back.
Try to resolve it directly first—explain that you were never made aware of such a fee and request they cover the cost. If they still insist on charging you, you can file a complaint with the Georgia Department of Labor. You deserve transparency and fair treatment when it comes to your pay, and standing up for that is more than reasonable.
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