Question 1

Why is my first paycheck so late?

Accepted Answer

Many employers run payroll after the pay period ends and then pay with a lag (1-2 weeks or more). If you start mid-cycle, your first check often waits for the next run plus the employer delay.

Question 2

How do pay frequency changes affect my cash flow?

Accepted Answer

Weekly pay yields more frequent but smaller checks; semi-monthly or biweekly can create longer gaps. The tool shows first paycheck timing and total checks in the first 90 days so you can plan your cash flow.

Question 3

What is an employer pay lag?

Accepted Answer

A pay lag is the delay between when you work and when payroll is issued (same week, 1-week, 2-week, or custom). Longer lags increase the wait for your first paycheck and can create cash-flow gaps.

Question 4

How can I see gaps between paychecks?

Accepted Answer

The calculator highlights first-paycheck wait time, gaps over 16 days, and the longest gap in your first 90 days so you can budget for rent, bills, and savings.

Question 5

Why does biweekly pay feel delayed?

Accepted Answer

Biweekly payroll often pays after the pay period closes plus an employer lag. Starting mid-cycle means your first check waits for the next payroll run, so it feels delayed even though later checks become regular.

Question 6

How long do I wait for my first paycheck?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your pay frequency and employer lag. Many US employers pay 1–2 weeks after the period ends. Starting mid-period can push the first check 2–4 weeks out. The tool computes the exact first paycheck date for your inputs.

Question 7

Do biweekly employees get paid monthly?

Accepted Answer

Biweekly is every two weeks, so most months have 2 paychecks and a few have 3. This can make some months feel like there’s no paycheck if timing shifts around month boundaries.

Question 8

Why are there months with 3 paychecks?

Accepted Answer

Biweekly schedules create 26 paychecks a year, which means two months typically get a 3rd check. The tool’s monthly count and timeline show which months have 3 checks so you can plan cash flow.