Late or unpaid salary is one of the most common employment issues in Singapore — and one with the strongest legal protections. Under the Employment Act, your employer doesn't just "owe" you the money — failing to pay on time is actually a criminal offence. Here's exactly what the law says and how to get what you're owed.
Section 21 of the Employment Act is clear: your employer must pay your salary within 7 days after the end of each salary period. If your salary period is the calendar month (most common), your March salary must be paid by 7 April at the latest.
For overtime pay, the deadline is 14 days after the end of the salary period. And when you leave the company (whether you resign, are terminated, or retrenched), your employer must pay all outstanding salary within 3 days of your last working day.
Penalties for employers: Late payment is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 per charge, and repeat offenders can face up to $10,000 or 12 months' imprisonment. MOM takes this seriously.
Before you file a claim, gather everything you can. The stronger your documentation, the faster your case will be resolved. You'll need:
The Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) handles salary disputes through free mediation. Here's the process:
In most cases, TADM mediation results in the employer agreeing to pay the outstanding amount — sometimes with a payment schedule if the company has cashflow issues. At the ECT, the tribunal can order your employer to pay within a set timeframe, and non-compliance can result in further legal action.
Don't wait and hope the money appears. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to recover. Singapore's system is designed to be employee-friendly — use it.
Tell Vera how much you're owed, how long it's been, and whether you're still employed. She'll explain your rights and walk you through the next steps — free.
General legal information only — not legal advice. For specific situations, consult MOM or a qualified employment lawyer.