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Getting paid in cash might feel normal in your industry—but if there’s no pay stub, no taxes withheld, and no record of your hours, you could be at risk of wage theft, tax trouble, and losing vital protections.

California law guarantees every worker—whether you’re a caregiver, construction worker, or restaurant employee—the right to legal wages, pay stubs, overtime, and workers’ comp. Here’s what you need to know.

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Why Cash-Under-the-Table Jobs Hurt Workers

For Caregivers (Home Care, Nursing Aides, etc.)

• Many agencies or families pay cash to avoid taxes and overtime.
• Without records, you could be denied breaks, shorted pay, or fired unfairly.
• If injured, you may not qualify for workers’ comp.

For Construction Workers (Day Laborers, Contractors, etc.)

• Cash jobs often mean no overtime, no safety protections, and no insurance.
• If the contractor disappears, you have no proof of unpaid wages.
• If you’re hurt on the job, medical bills could ruin you.

For Restaurant Workers (Servers, Cooks, Dishwashers, etc.)

• Tips paid in cash + no pay stub = employers stealing wages.
• You might be working off the clock with no way to prove it.
• If you report unsafe conditions, they can fire you with no paper trail.

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California Law Protects You—Even in Cash Jobs

Your employer must give you:
✅ A detailed pay stub (showing hours, wages, deductions)
✅ At least $16/hour (CA min. wage, 2024)—more in some cities
✅ Overtime (1.5x pay after 8 hrs/day or 40 hrs/week)
✅ Workers’ comp if injured

If they refuse, they’re breaking the law—and you can fight back