Reimbursement Requirements at Work

Reimbursement requirements ensure that employees are not financially burdened by work-related expenses. Failing to reimburse these costs is not only unfair, but it is illegal under California and federal law.

What are Reimbursement Requirements at Work

Reimbursement requirements refer to laws that mandate employers to cover necessary work-related expenses. These expenses can include:

• Travel costs (e.g., mileage, parking, tolls)
• Equipment (e.g., tools, uniforms, safety gear)
• Remote work necessities (e.g., cell phone, internet, home office expenses)
• Training fees or materials for mandatory courses
  In California, these laws are particularly robust, ensuring employees are not left out of pocket for costs incurred while performing their job duties.

Examples of Reimbursement Requirements Violations at Work

Reimbursement violations can take several forms, including:

• Refusal to reimburse legitimate expenses
• Delayed reimbursement payments
• Imposing unreasonable caps on reimbursements
• Misclassifying employees to avoid reimbursement obligations

Laws Protecting Your Rights at Work

Federal Protections

• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): While not directly addressing reimbursement, the FLSA ensures that unreimbursed expenses do not reduce an employee’s pay below the federal minimum wage.

California Protections

• California Labor Code Section 2802: Requires employers to reimburse employees for all necessary expenditures or losses incurred in direct consequence of their job duties. This includes mileage, tools, and other essential costs.

How to Protect Yourself if You Experience Reimbursement Requirements Violations at Work

If you suspect a reimbursement violation, prompt action is essential. Follow these steps:

1. Document all work-related expenses with receipts and records. Save a copy of everything for yourself. If you use a work email, upon termination or constructive discharge, you will be immediately locked out of the system. So, it is important you have a copy of everything saved in real time. Do not wait until it is too late.
2. Submit reimbursement claims in writing, following your company’s policy.
3. If denied or delayed, escalate the issue to HR or a supervisor.
4. Consult an employment lawyer in California if the issue persists. You have up to 3 years to file a claim for unpaid reimbursements.

Time is critical, missing deadlines can weaken your claim.

Act Now to Secure Your Rights

Given the deadlines to bring these claims, it is important to act fast. California law provides powerful protections, and an experienced attorney can help you take action. Staggs Law is committed to protecting employee rights across California.

This is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship.