In California, employees must be paid on regular intervals, at least twice a month. Failure to do so can subject the employer to large penalties. If you are asking about payment after termination, an employee must receive all wages due on the date of the termination. If the employee resigns with less than 72 hours notice, the employer has 72 hours to pay all wages due. If you believe you have been treated illegally, remember that you must act within a certain period of time or your right to do so may be lost forever.