What to Do If You Lost a Check From Work

Losing a paycheck can be a frustrating experience, but it is a common issue with clear steps for resolution. Employees have ways to ensure they receive their earned wages. Understanding the proper procedure can help minimize stress and expedite obtaining a replacement check.

Gathering Essential Information

Before contacting your employer, search thoroughly for the missing check. Check common places where it might have been placed, such as your wallet, bag, desk, or vehicle. This confirms the check is genuinely lost, not just misplaced.

After confirming the check is missing, gather specific details about it. This includes the exact date the check was issued, the approximate amount of the payment, and, if possible, the check number. Having this information streamlines communication with your employer and assists them in locating the correct payroll record.

Notifying Your Employer

Notify your employer about a lost check. Typically, the human resources (HR) department or the payroll department handles such inquiries. You can initiate contact via a phone call, email, or an in-person visit, depending on your company’s preferred communication methods.

When you contact them, provide the details you gathered, including the issue date and the approximate amount of the lost check. Clearly state the check is lost and you require assistance. During this conversation, inquire about your employer’s policy for handling lost paychecks. Ask about the typical timeline for processing a replacement and if there are any forms you need to complete.

Understanding the Replacement Process

After you notify your employer, they will stop payment on the original lost check. This prevents anyone from cashing the original check. Banks often charge a fee for stop payment orders, which typically ranges from $25 to $50.

Your employer will then issue a replacement check. The time to receive a new check varies, often from a few business days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s payroll schedule and bank processing times. Some employers may pass on the stop payment fee to the employee, though this practice can vary based on state regulations. Upon receiving the replacement check, verify that the amount is accurate and matches your expected earnings.

Handling a Found Original Check

If you find the original check after reporting it lost and requesting a replacement, do not attempt to cash or deposit it. A stop payment order will have been placed on the original check, rendering it invalid. Attempting to deposit a stopped check can lead to issues with your bank, such such as returned check fees.

Instead, immediately return the found original check to your employer. This ensures no complications, such as duplicate payments or discrepancies in payroll records. Promptly returning the check helps maintain accurate financial records for both you and your employer.