Your paycheck will be given to you at the end of a regular period of time. This may be every week, every two weeks, or once a month. Some smaller companies may pay in cash, but you should always receive a pay stub or receipt that lists all hours worked, gross pay, net pay, and deductions. The first paycheck can be very confusing to a new worker, so ask a friend, relative, or your resettlement agency to explain it to you if you do not understand. It is important to check that payment and deductions have been figured correctly.
Gross pay is the total amount earned during the time period before any deductions are made.
Look at the pay stub to check that the gross amount matches the wage level at which you were hired, multiplied by the number of hours you actually worked. Deductions are the amounts taken from your gross pay during a pay period. Most deductions are required by law and include money for federal income tax, Social Security tax, Medicare tax, and, in most states, a state income tax. In addition, you may choose to have additional money deducted to pay for such things as medical insurance, union dues, life insurance, or a company savings plan. Net pay is the amount you actually receive in your check after all deductions have been made.