Receiving your wages means more than simply checking how much money was deposited into your bank account. As a temporary foreign worker (TFW) in Quebec, checking your pay stub is a good way to make sure that your hours worked, wages, and deductions match your employment situation.
Throughout this series, we have explained the main amounts that may appear on a pay stub. Here is a practical guide to help you check your pay stub.
1. Check the pay period
First, check the dates covered by the pay period. Ask yourself:
- Do the dates correspond to the period when you worked?
- Does the pay stub correspond to the weekly, biweekly, or other pay period established by your employer?
- Is the payment date correct?
This allows you to make sure that you are reviewing the correct period.
2. Check your hours worked
Make sure the number of hours shown on your pay stub matches the hours you actually worked. Pay particular attention to:
- regular hours;
- overtime hours;
- hours worked on statutory holidays, when applicable;
- hours worked that may appear in another pay period.
Keep your own record of the hours you work. It can help you compare your records with your pay stub.
3. Check your wages
Make sure the hourly rate or salary shown on your pay stub matches the conditions of your employment. You can compare this information with:
- your employment contract;
- your job offer;
- your LMIA, when applicable;
- any subsequent change to your wages.
If the rate shown on your pay stub does not match what you expected, ask your employer for an explanation.
4. Check your gross pay
Your gross pay is the amount you earned before deductions are taken off. Check that the calculation makes sense based on your situation, including:
- hours worked × wage rate = corresponding wages
Other amounts, such as overtime pay or certain premiums, may also be included in your gross pay.
5. Check your deductions
This is one of the most important parts of your pay stub. Depending on your situation, you may see deductions such as:
- QPP;
- QPIP;
- Employment Insurance (EI);
- federal income tax;
- Quebec income tax;
- group insurance;
- union dues;
- pension contributions;
- housing or other permitted amounts.
Not every worker will have the same deductions. The important thing is to understand what each amount represents and why it appears on your pay stub.
6. Check your net pay
Your net pay is the amount remaining after deductions. This is generally the amount deposited into your bank account. However, if the amount you receive is lower than expected, do not look only at your net pay. First, check which deductions were applied.
7. Check other amounts or benefits
Your pay stub may also include other items related to your employment, such as:
- vacation pay;
- statutory holidays;
- bonuses;
- overtime;
- insurance;
- housing;
- meals;
- other benefits.
- If you see an item you do not understand, ask your employer what it means.
8. What should you do if you find a difference?
If you notice a difference after checking your pay stub, do not ignore it. For example:
- You worked 45 hours, but only 40 hours appear on your pay stub.
Or:
- Your contract provides for a specific hourly rate, but a different rate appears on your pay stub.
In this situation:
- 1. Keep your pay stub.
- 2. Compare the information with your employment contract and your records of hours worked.
- 3. Ask your employer for an explanation.
- 4. Keep any communications related to the issue.
If, after asking for an explanation, you believe your employment rights are not being respected, you can contact the CNESST to learn about your rights and possible steps.
9. Keep your pay stubs
Your pay stubs are important documents. We recommend keeping them with:
- your employment contract;
- your work permit;
- your records of hours worked;
- important communications with your employer;
- documents related to your wages.
These documents may be useful if you later need to prove your employment conditions or income.
Quick checklist for reviewing your pay stub
Each time you receive your pay stub, you can use this checklist:
☐ Is the pay period correct?
☐ Are my hours worked accurate?
☐ Does the wage rate match my contract?
☐ Is overtime shown correctly, when applicable?
☐ Is my gross pay correct?
☐ Do I understand the deductions listed?
☐ Do the deductions match my situation?
☐ Does my net pay match the amount I received?
☐ Is there anything I do not recognize?
☐ Have I saved my pay stub?
Your pay stub is an important document.
Do not check it only to see how much money you received. Use it to make sure that your hours worked, wages, and deductions match your employment. If something does not match or you do not understand an amount, ask for an explanation and keep the relevant documents.
As a TFW, understanding and checking your pay stub can help you better understand your employment conditions and quickly identify a possible error or discrepancy. InfoTET d’Immigrant Québec provides information and support to temporary foreign workers in Quebec.
