If you’re hoping that the new year will bring a new salary, time is running out for you to make a case to your employer for a year-end raise. Here are the answers to common questions you might have about raises, including how to ask for one, how much to expect and what to do if your performance hasn’t been great this year. Is my employer required to give me a raise? No law requires employers to give raises. If you have a contract or union agreement that specifies particular raises at particular times, your employer is bound by that. If not, it’s purely up to your employer’s discretion. Read more.