the payout deadline is 7 days after you make the post. So, after 7 days, the Steem is paid to the author and curators, and it is deposited to their accounts. No more money can be earned on posts which are older than 7 days. The algorithm prevents that from happening.
RE: Steemit Newbies: Ask Me Anything (About Steemit) In The Next Hour, OPERATION HELP NOOBS