What is the 13th Cheque?
Isabella Bartlett
Updated on May 24, 2026
A 13th cheque is a bonus that the employee can expect every year if this forms part of their employment contract. A bonus, on the other hand is a reward based on the employee's performance and the performance of the business. This differentiation is usually made clear in an employee's contract of employment.
What is meant by Thirteenth cheque?
an annual payment equal to one month's salary that is paid at the end of the year. Employees in the education sector are expecting to get their thirteenth cheque next month.How does the 13th check work in South Africa?
Usually, the amount is taxed when it is paid out. However, some companies allow employees to pay additional tax during “normal” months, and then the bonus / 13th cheque is seen to be “tax free”. In South Africa, the more you earn, the higher the rate of tax that you pay.What is a 14th cheque?
13th and 14th month pay is the payment of an additional month's salary, a form of compensation, in the financial year. It is a common employment standard around the globe, though how it works depends on the employment law of a country.What is a 13th month pay?
A 13th month salary—also known as 13 month pay—is an extra paycheck that is typically equal to one month's salary. It is paid in addition to your employee's annual salary. This tradition started in the Philippines in the 1970s and has since spread to other countries.Spending your 13th cheque
Who receives 13th month pay?
According to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) guidelines, all private-sector “rank-and-file” employees are eligible for the 13th month pay benefit as long as they've worked for at least one month during the calendar year.Is 13th month pay a benefit?
13th month pay is a government-mandated form of compensation in the Philippines given to employees at the end of the year. While it may seem like a Christmas bonus, 13th month pay isn't a discretionary benefit; it's part of employment law, so employers are obliged to pay it.Is 13th cheque a bonus?
A 13th cheque is a bonus that the employee can expect every year if this forms part of their employment contract. A bonus, on the other hand is a reward based on the employee's performance and the performance of the business. This differentiation is usually made clear in an employee's contract of employment.Is 13th cheque compulsory?
It Is Not Compulsory For An Employer To Pay A 13th Cheque To Its Employees - Employee Benefits & Compensation - South Africa.How is 13th month pay computed in 2021 in the Philippines?
The 13th-month pay is computed based on 1/12 of the total basic salary of an employee within a calendar year, or your basic monthly salary for the whole year divided by 12 months. To put it simpler, just get the sum of your basic salary for the calendar year then divide it by twelve.How are 13th cheque paid?
“A thirteenth cheque is essentially an additional monthly salary paid, or 8.33% of the employee's annual salary, that gets paid to the employee – normally in December or any other month depending on the employer's contract.What is the difference between bonus and 13th month pay?
The law and Supreme Court decisions are very clear. The 13th month pay is a legal obligation. A Christmas bonus is an act of generosity given by employers. A bonus is not an obligation but a voluntary gift.Is a yearly bonus compulsory?
Firstly, it is necessary to understand that there is no statutory requirement in labour law to pay bonuses of any sort, and any such payments that are made are not regulated by labour legislation.How is tax calculated on bonus?
If you earn a bonus for any of these reasons, the bonus would be added to your salary income and form a part of your total taxable income. The rate of tax on the bonus would be equal to your tax slab rate.How much is a salary bonus?
Executives tend to receive higher bonuses that can multiply based on performance, while most employees earn bonuses equal to 1% to 5% of their overall salary.Is a bonus part of your salary?
A bonus is not part of your salary. In most cases, bonuses are one-time payouts. You are guaranteed to earn more money with a raise. Your hourly or yearly pay rate is locked in for the duration of time you spend with the company when you receive a raise.Which employee is eligible for bonus?
Eligibility for BonusThe employee receiving salary or wages up to Rs. 21,000 per month. The employee engaged in any work whether skilled, unskilled, managerial, supervisory etc. The employee who have worked not less than 30 working days in the same year.