Under what circumstance can an employee claim their full thirteenth-month pay?

The full thirteenth-month pay is typically granted to employees who have worked the entire year in a company. This payment is generally calculated based on the total salary an employee earns within a twelve-month period, with the idea being that the employee has been consistently contributing to the company throughout that time. Therefore, working the entire year ensures that the employee has met the eligibility criterion for receiving the complete benefit.

In contrast, resignation with notice may lead to prorated thirteenth-month pay since the employee did not complete the full year of service. Being on leave without pay would typically disqualify an employee from claiming full thirteenth-month pay for the duration they were away from work, as that time is not considered worked. Prior notice of termination also does not guarantee full payment, especially if the employee does not complete the entire year leading to a prorated calculation of their thirteenth-month pay. Hence, working the entire year remains the defining condition for claiming the full benefit.