Ecuador's 14th Salary Benefit Payment Deadlines and Calculations

The "decimo cuarto sueldo" is a mandatory labor benefit in Ecuador that equals one unified basic salary (SBU). For 2026 the benefit amounts to $482. Payment dates differ by region: workers in the Sierra and Amazonía must receive it by 15 August, while those on the Coast and in the Galápagos must receive it by 15 March, aligning with the school calendar.

Employees who have worked a full year for the same employer receive the full $482. Those hired later, who left before the payment date, or who requested the benefit to be incorporated monthly receive a proportional amount calculated on the months (and days) actually worked. The calculation divides the SBU by 12 and multiplies by the number of months worked (e.g., $40.16 per month). The benefit can be paid as a lump sum on the scheduled date or spread across monthly salaries if the worker requests it in writing.