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California Employment Law Glossary

Expense Reimbursement
Wage & Hour

 

Definition


 

California Labor Code Section 2802 requires employers to reimburse employees for all necessary expenditures incurred in direct consequence of performing their job duties. This includes mileage, personal cell phone use for work, home internet costs for remote workers, and any other out-of-pocket work expenses. Failure to reimburse is a wage violation with the same remedies as unpaid wages.


Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. If you're required to use your personal cell phone for work purposes, California law generally requires your employer to reimburse a reasonable portion of that cost, even if you have an unlimited data plan.

Necessary remote-work costs like a portion of your internet bill, office supplies, and equipment needed to do your job may be reimbursable, depending on your specific work arrangement.

Think this applies to you?

Work expenses paid out of your own pocket may be recoverable under California law. Contact us for a free case review.
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This glossary is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship with Lawyers for Employee and Consumer Rights. Laws change - for advice specific to your situation, contact our office for a free case review.