She banked $8,703 from skipping 108 days off over 25 years working at an NYC school for the Deaf — then got nothing for 2 years after retiring

Pichl worked for 25 years as a paraprofessional for the New York City Department of Education before retiring in 2024. During her working years, she accrued a substantial number of unused vacation and sick days — 108, according to documents shown in the story.

Pichl told ABC7 that her employer promised to pay out this unused time in installments over a three-year period after her retirement, with the first check coming within a year of her leaving work.

Sadly, that’s not what happened.

A string of broken promises leaves Pichl in the lurch

While Pichl expected her first check in June 2025, she was instead left with only excuses.

In fact, as she explained to ABC7, she was told that “For some reason they didn’t process the check, so they would do it immediately, and that I should see the check by early to mid-February [2026], at the latest.” But, sadly, she said, “February came and went.”

Ultimately, two years passed with no payment, leaving Pichl tired of constantly checking the mail and being disappointed. Her husband, Frank, suggested she call their local TV station for help, and the news organization’s involvement eventually prompted the Department of Education to pay.

In total, Pichl collected $8,703.80 from the education department, and thanked the 7 On Your Side program for the help after years of fruitless efforts to get her funds.

You have legal recourse if you don’t get paid for your unused time

While Pichl’s story has a positive ending, not everyone can or wants to get a team of investigative reporters on the case just to get their full pay upon retiring. Fortunately, you don’t need that if you understand your options to recover your funds if this happens to you.

“If your contract states you will be compensated for vacation or sick days you’ve accumulated when you retire, they can’t just brush you off,” Jamie E. Wright, a litigator and founder of The Wright Law Firm, told Moneywise.

Wright recommended reading your employment contract and company policies carefully to confirm your rights and the payment deadline. “Your employer doesn’t have forever to pay you money that they owe you,” she said.