I live in California and work for a major chain of retail home improvement stores. I have a question about something that I hope that someone knows... I lost my paycheck in April, I told my HR a few days later and they had me fill out a claim to get it reissued. About a month later, I recieved via postal mail a copy of a check I had already cashed from a different day. I again went to my HR and told them they sent me the wrong thing. But by now, I forgot the original amount and day of issuance. They told me that they would have to go through and audit my paychecks to see which one had not yet been cashed. My question is, How long do they get to reissue it and find out which one it is. It has been almost 5 months now, and we need that money. Thank you in advance to any replies...

Your employer has an obligation to ensure that you are paid in a timely manner. While the initial check was issued to you, the fact is that they still owe you the money.

I would do the following. Place your request, in writing and in a polite tone, asking for resolution of this matter within one week. Recap the timeline, as you did in your posting. Copy the person who HR reports to.

My belief is that you will get prompt attention. If you don't, go up the chain of command. If you have go through the line of command, then go to the state. They will assist you.

Let me know if you have any questions.

I have talked to my HR over and over again and they keep saying that she is trying. I have even called the Support Center for my store, and they dont really seem to care. I really just want to light a fire under their a**. I plan on calling the support center again, I just wanted some kind of law or someything to get them moving and take me seriously...

There is a law that requires you to be paid for the work that you perform. It is the Fair Labor Standards Act. Your state probably has a similar law.