Is It Fair for Employers to Hold Bonuses After Final Settlement? Seeking Clarification

I have a small query about the bonus amount. I was working with a company for the last 3 years, and after that, I resigned from the company and fulfilled all the formalities. However, when I received my F&F amount, I noticed that my bonus amount was missing. I inquired with the employer about this, and he mentioned that they can hold the bonus amount for up to 8 months after the start of the financial year.

I resigned in July 2019. As per my understanding, F&F should be completed within a month, and all dues should be settled in the F&F process. I just need clarification on whether it is correct for the bonus amount not to be included in the F&F.

Thank you.

Hi Nikhil,

It seems your previous employer is correct when they state that the bonus amount shall be paid before the completion of 8 months from the start of the current financial year. So, ideally by the end of Oct '19, you should be receiving the bonus payment even though you have exited from the organization. You are still eligible for the bonus payout, only that it would be paid separately and not as part of your final settlement here.