I've probably run into this issue the many times I've played the Sims 2 before(on and off for about 5 years probably) but can't remember if so what happened. When the maid quits when you can't pay can you and rehire them and if so how long do you need to wait? I've tried a few time so far but they keep saying the say thing about maybe reconsidering later.

You can. I'm not sure about the time interval, but I seem to have some success just having a different member of the household hiring them. If Dad hired them last time before they quit, try getting Mum or a teenage child to do it?

Thanks, I was able to rehire the maid after a few days, I think that's the general interval. It doesn't seem to matter who hired them or tries to rehire them when they quit as to this.