South Carolina Payment of Wages Act

Notification of Wages & Hours Agreed Upon

At the time of hiring, every employer must notify a new employee of the normal hours and wages agreed upon, the time and place of payment, and the deductions which will be made from wages, including payments to insurance programs. Any changes in these terms must be made in writing at least seven calendar days before they become effective, except for wage increases.

The best practice for employers is to set these terms out in a written employment handbook (not a contract), and have the employee sign, stating that he or she understands the terms of employment.

Payment of Wages Due Discharged Employees

When an employer separates an employee from the payroll for any reason, the employer must pay all wages due to the employee within forty-eight (48) hours of the time of separation or the next regular payday which may not exceed thirty days.