Get Paid to Do Jury Duty: Best 5 Options

Jury duty stands as one of the keystones of the American justice system. Every year, millions of Americans receive that familiar envelope, a jury summons requiring their presence at the local courthouse. While most citizens understand the importance of this civic responsibility, many face a more vital question: “Will I get paid for my time?” Do you get paid to do jury duty? It is a common concern, as people want to understand how compensation works during service.

Why Jury Duty is Essential in the U.S. Legal System

Due to the Sixth Amendment’s requirement of an unbiased jury trial, jury duty is crucial to maintaining American justice. By assuring that your fellow citizens receive honest and fair trials, serving as a jury allows you to participate in democracy actively. The National Center for State Courts estimates that state courts handle about 400,000 jury trials yearly, with thousands more being tried in federal courts.

The system relies on average people taking time out of their lives to make decisions based on the law and the evidence. The entire legal system would come to a complete standstill without jurors. However, a significant barrier to fulfilling this essential civic obligation is frequently a lack of resources.

The financial burden of serving on a jury

Being on a jury can be very expensive. Since jury pay is typically far less than regular earnings, many lose money when not working. While many employers do not cover the difference, some do. This can be a big concern for people living paycheck to paycheck, who cannot afford to miss work.

Do You Get Paid for Jury Duty? Here’s What You Need to Know

How Jury Duty Pay Works at the State and Federal Levels

Yes, you are compensated for jury duty, but the amount varies greatly depending on where you serve. Currently, federal courts pay $50 per day for the first ten days of service and then $60 per day beyond that. Jurors are compensated $70 per day for trials longer than 45 days.

Compensation for state courts varies by state, with some jurisdictions paying as little as $5 per day while others pay as much as $50. For instance, New York offers $40 per day after the first three days of service, while California pays $15 per day beginning on the second day.

What happens if jury duty causes financial hardship?

Courts are aware that serving on a jury can lead to financial hardship. Most jurisdictions grant hardship exemptions for people who prove that service would result in severe financial hardship.

Usually, the procedure requires proof that your absence from work will result in severe financial difficulties. But exemptions for financial difficulty aren’t given out without a reason. You must present substantial evidence of your circumstances, such as pay stubs, invoices, and debt information.

How Beem Instant Cash Can Help Cover Unexpected Expenses

Jury duty and lost wages—how to stay financially stable

It takes planning to keep your finances stable when serving on a jury. Missed bill payments or rapid depletion of funds can result from the difference between your regular income and jury service compensation.

Although planning is helpful, unplanned expenses frequently occurring during jury duty, such as childcare, meals, and transportation, can quickly mount up. Combining these extra expenses and a lower income leads to financial distress.

Get fast access to emergency funds with Beem Instant Cash

When jury duty strains your budget, Beem Instant Cash provides quick financial relief. You can access funds immediately to cover essential expenses while serving on a jury. Unlike traditional loans, Beem provides quick approval and instantaneous capital allocation, which require extended approval procedures.

Users report obtaining up to $500 within minutes of approval, enabling them to meet urgent requirements without waiting for jury compensation or their next salary. Because of this safety net, people can carry out their civic responsibilities without compromising their financial security.

1. How Much Do You Get Paid for Jury Duty?

Federal vs. state jury duty compensation rates

Federal courts maintain consistent payment rates nationwide. As of 2024, federal jurors receive:

$50 per day for the first 10 days
$60 per day for days 11-45
$70 per day for service exceeding 45 days

Additionally, federal jurors receive mileage reimbursement at $0.655 per mile (as of 2024) and may qualify for parking reimbursement and overnight accommodation allowances for long trials.

State compensation varies widely. Research from the National Center for State Courts shows that while the national average for state juror pay is approximately $22 per day, the range spans from $5 to $50, depending on location.

Examples of jury duty pay in different states

State jury compensation reveals significant variations:-

Alabama: $10 per day, plus mileage
California: $15 per day starting on day two, plus $0.34 per mile one-way
Colorado: $50 per day after the first three days
Florida: $15 per day for the first three days, $30 thereafter
Massachusetts: $50 per day after the first three days
New York: $40 per day after the first three days
Texas: Minimum $6 per day for first day, minimum $40 thereafter

2. Does Your Employer Have to Pay You While on Jury Duty?

Employer policies on jury duty pay—who covers lost wages?

When you’re called for jury duty, your employer might cover some or all of your lost wages. Some companies have policies that require them to pay your regular salary while you serve. You might have to depend on the little pay provided by the court if others don’t pay you anything. Before you join the jury duty, it is essential to look into your company’s policies.

You may have to look or go for a side gig if your employer doesn’t pay. It can be facilitated if you do your financial planning during this period. Note that you should always ask HR about the specific policies to help you with your financial planning.

Federal law vs. state law on employer compensation

While federal law focuses on job protection rather than compensation, some states have enacted stronger provisions:

Alabama, Connecticut, Colorado, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New York, and Tennessee require employers to pay employees serving on juries for a specified period.
New York mandates that employers with over 10 employees pay the first $40 of an employee’s daily wages for the first three days of jury service.
Connecticut requires employers to pay full wages for employees serving on state juries for the first five days.

Federal law doesn’t require employers to compensate employees for jury duty. However, some states take a different approach. Nine states and certain jurisdictions mandate that employers pay employees during jury service, often requiring them to cover the difference between court pay and regular wages.

This mix of federal and state laws means employers must understand local regulations to ensure compliance and support their employees during this civic duty. It’s a balance between legal obligations and company policies.

3. Are There Reimbursement Programs for Jury Duty?

Travel and meal reimbursements—what’s covered?

Jury duty comes with extra costs or expenses, but some reimbursements can help you. Courts will cover travel expenses like mileage or public transportation costs. You can also get meal reimbursements, but these can vary by jurisdiction.

Some courts offer a daily meal stipend, while others reimburse based on receipts. This helps jurors avoid the financial burden of serving, making it easier for everyone to participate in the justice system.

How to check if your state offers additional financial support

Many states have implemented supplemental juror compensation programs to ease financial hardship:

Arizona offers a Lengthy Trial Fund that provides additional compensation for jurors serving on trials lasting more than 5 days.
Colorado provides a similar program for trials exceeding 3 days.
Massachusetts has a Juror Compensation Program that supplements employer payments.

For specific information about additional compensation programs in your area, contact your local jury commissioner or visit your state court’s website.

1. Can Jury Duty Affect Your Income?

The financial impact of missing work for jury duty

The type of employment, pay scale, and employer policies all significantly influence the situation. Hourly workers face the most significant obstacles, as they frequently lose a day’s pay for every day they work.

Generally speaking, salaried workers do better, and many employers maintain consistent income during employment. Even paid employees could have indirect repercussions like missed deadlines, project delays, or having to make up work on the weekends and at night.

How self-employed individuals and gig workers can be affected

Self-employed individuals and gig workers bear weighty burdens during jury service. Unlike traditional employees, they receive no paid leave and may lose clients or opportunities while serving. A freelance graphic designer serving on a two-week trial might lose $3,000-$5,000 in potential income while receiving just $300-$500 in jury compensation. Similarly, rideshare drivers report average income losses of $150-$250 per day while serving, exceeding typical jury compensation rates.

2. Managing Expenses While on Jury Duty

Tips for budgeting ahead of time

Financial planning can minimize the impact of jury duty on your finances:

Build an emergency fund specifically for jury service if you receive a summons.
Inform your employer immediately upon receiving a summons.
Research your state’s compensation rates and the employer’s jury duty policy.
Calculate potential income loss and identify expenses that might need adjustment.
Consider delaying major purchases or financial commitments until after service.

Financial advisors recommend setting aside at least one week’s expenses when preparing for potential jury service. Following these tips can help you manage your expenses.

Utilizing Beem Instant Cash for unexpected financial gaps

When preparation isn’t enough, Beem Everdraft™ provides critical support during jury service. The platform offers:

Quick approval processes designed for temporary financial gaps
Immediate fund access, typically within minutes of approval
Flexible repayment options aligned with your regular pay schedule
No early repayment penalties if jury duty ends sooner than expected

Beem’s flexible repayment options allow users to pay back when they receive their next paycheck, providing a stress-free solution to financial surprises. It’s a quick and reliable way to manage unexpected expenses.

3. Jury Duty Pay vs. Real Cost of Missing Work

Why jury duty compensation may not be enough

Jury duty pay often falls short of covering the cost of missing work. While courts provide a small stipend, it rarely matches the lost wages. This gap can be particularly tough for freelancers, small business owners, or those living paycheck to paycheck.

The financial strain can be significant, especially if jury service lasts for weeks. As a result, many jurors struggle to make ends meet during their service, highlighting the need for more comprehensive compensation systems to support those fulfilling this civic duty. This financial burden can impact not just jurors but their families as well.

Ways to offset income loss while fulfilling your civic duty

Several strategies can help mitigate the financial impact:

Negotiate flexible work arrangements to complete some work during evenings or breaks.
Request schedule adjustments rather than complete time off.
Apply for hardship exemptions if qualified.
Utilize court-provided resources like transportation vouchers.
Take advantage of employer benefits like continued pay or make-up hours.
Consider short-term financial products like Beem Instant Cash for immediate needs.

1. How Different States Handle Jury Duty Pay

Some states offer better compensation than others.

States vary significantly in how they handle jury duty pay. Some, like North Dakota, offer up to $100 per day, while others, like Illinois, pay as little as $4. Recently, states like Indiana and Virginia have increased their rates to make jury service more financially viable. These differences highlight the uneven compensation landscape across the U.S., with some states providing better support for jurors than others.

High-paying vs. low-paying states for jury duty

Top compensating states (daily rate after initial service period):

Colorado: $50
Connecticut: $50
South Dakota: $50
New Mexico: $50
Massachusetts: $50

Lowest compensating states (daily rate):

South Carolina: $10
Tennessee: $11
Montana: $12
Mississippi: $11
Missouri: $6

These disparities highlight the uneven compensation landscape across the U.S., with some states providing more financial support to jurors than others. This variation can impact who can afford to serve, potentially affecting jury diversity and representation. Higher pay can reduce barriers to service.

2. Employer Policies: Do Companies Cover Jury Duty Pay?

Big corporations vs. small businesses—who pays for jury duty?

Big corporations often have more resources to cover employee wages during jury duty, ensuring minimal disruption to the employee and the business. In contrast, small businesses may struggle financially to pay employees while they serve.

Some states require employers with more than a certain number of employees to pay wages during jury duty, but smaller businesses might rely on state compensation. This disparity highlights small businesses’ challenges in supporting employees during civic duties.

Understanding your employee benefits for jury duty

Several types of benefits may apply during jury service:

Dedicated jury duty leave (separate from vacation or sick time)
Paid time off (PTO) that can be applied to jury service
Differential pay (the employer pays the difference between jury compensation and regular salary)
Flexible scheduling to make up missed work hours
Remote work options during non-court hours

Employee benefits for jury duty vary widely, depending mainly on company policies and state laws. Some employers pay full wages during jury service, while others may only cover the difference between court pay and regular wages.

Employees should become familiar with the company’s specific policies and state requirements to understand how their income will be affected. This helps employees plan financially and ensure they will fulfill their civic duty without any stress.

3. Jury Duty and Financial Hardship Exemptions

Can you be excused from jury duty due to financial hardship?

Courts recognize that jury service may create impossible financial situations for some citizens. Most jurisdictions allow excusal based on financial hardship, though standards vary. Typical qualifying circumstances include:

Sole income earners supporting dependents
Self-employed individuals with no alternative income
Those facing imminent financial obligations, like mortgage payments
Individuals already experiencing financial distress
Those whose employers do not provide paid leave

You can be excused from jury duty if you qualify for these circumstances or situations.

How to request exemption if jury duty causes economic strain

Explain your financial situation to the court to request an exemption due to economic strain. Provide documents showing how jury duty would impact your income or business operations. Courts consider financial hardships, so details about the potential effects should be provided. This helps judges assess your situation and decide whether an exemption is appropriate.

1. Is Jury Duty Pay Taxable?

When jury duty pay needs to be reported to the IRS

Jury duty pay is taxable income and must be reported to the IRS. Payments from courts are typically reported on Form 1040 as “Other Income.” If you turn over court payments to your employer, you can claim a tax deduction for the amount given back. Reimbursements for expenses like parking and meals are generally not taxable. Courts may issue a 1099-MISC for payments exceeding $600 annually.

How to deduct lost wages due to jury duty

Some tax relief is available. Suppose your employer continues your salary during jury duty but requires you to turn over jury compensation. In that case, you can take an above-the-line deduction for the amount remitted to your employer. This requires:

Reporting the jury duty pay as income on line 8 of Schedule 1 (Form 1040)
Taking a corresponding deduction on line 22 of Schedule 1 for the amount given to your employer
Writing “Jury Pay” on the dotted line next to line 22

2. What Happens If Your Employer Doesn’t Pay for Jury Duty?

Legal protections for employees on jury duty

While not all employers must provide paid leave, all must protect your job. Federal law (28 U.S.C. § 1875) prohibits employers from:

Firing employees for jury service
Threatening employees regarding jury duty
Intimidating employees to avoid service
Penalizing employees for serving

State laws often provide additional protections. For example, California explicitly prohibits requiring employees to use vacation or sick leave for jury duty.

Steps to take if your employer refuses to pay

If your employer violates jury duty laws:

Document all communications regarding your jury service
File a complaint with your state labor department
Contact the court that issued your summons
Consult with an employment attorney if necessary

Follow all the above-mentioned steps if your employer refuses to pay.

3. The Reality of Jury Duty Pay—Can You Afford It?

The hidden financial cost of jury duty

Beyond lost wages, jurors face numerous hidden costs:

Transportation expenses average $14-$22 daily
Parking costs average $15-$25 in urban areas
Childcare arrangements add $40-$100 daily
Meal costs increase by $10-$15 daily
Potential overtime costs for making up missed work

These costs can add up, affecting jurors, their families, and their communities. While courts may cover basic fees, the broader economic impact reveals a significant burden on serving individuals, highlighting the need for better compensation systems to support those fulfilling this civic duty.

Why emergency cash can help cover expenses while serving

Flexible financial solutions like Beem Instant Cash provide critical support during jury service by:

Bridging the gap between regular income and jury compensation
Covering unexpected expenses that arise during service
Providing immediate access to funds when needed
Offering repayment flexibility aligned with post-service income
Preventing accumulated late fees on essential bills

Flexible financial solutions like Beem Instant Cash play a vital role in supporting jurors by filling the financial gaps, covering unexpected expenses, and offering flexible repayment options. They ensure that fulfilling this civic duty doesn’t lead to financial hardship.

FAQs: Common Questions About Jury Duty Pay

How much do you get paid for jury duty?

Federal jurors earn $50 daily for the first 10 days, increasing afterward. State rates vary widely, from $5 to $50 daily, with a national average of $22. Only 12 states have increased juror pay since 2015, despite rising inflation.

Does my employer have to pay me while I’m on jury duty?

Federal law doesn’t require payment but protects your job. Eight states mandate some employer compensation: Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New York, Tennessee, and Washington. About 57% of employers offer some form of paid jury duty leave.

Can I get financial assistance if jury duty causes financial hardship?

Most courts offer hardship exemptions under specific circumstances. Several states, including Arizona, Colorado, Massachusetts, and Oregon, provide supplemental compensation for lengthy trials. When implemented, these programs have boosted participation by approximately 23%.

How can I cover my bills while on jury duty?

Beem Instant Cash offers immediate funds to cover essential expenses during jury service. The streamlined application provides rapid decisions, with funds typically available within minutes of approval. This helps users cover mortgage payments, utilities, and other critical expenses.

What happens if I ignore my jury duty summons?

Consequences include fines ($100-$1,000), contempt of court charges, potential arrest warrants, and possible jail time in extreme cases. About 15% of summoned jurors fail to appear, with roughly 20% facing formal penalties.

Conclusion: Get Paid to Do Jury Duty

Jury duty presents both a civic responsibility and a financial challenge. With most states paying only $10-$50 daily, far below average wages, many Americans face real economic pressure when serving. This gap threatens the promise of a jury of peers by potentially excluding those who cannot afford to serve.

Employer policies significantly impact the financial burden of jury duty. While some companies provide full salary continuation, others offer minimal support, creating an uneven distribution of civic participation costs. Beem Instant Cash addresses this challenge by providing immediate financial support during jury service.

Quick access to funds for essential expenses, Beem helps ensure that financial constraints don’t prevent full civic participation, allowing jurors to focus on their role in the justice system. Need emergency cash while on jury duty? Get Beem Instant Cash today and stay financially stable.

Do You Get Paid to Do Jury Duty? – Your Best Guide