A lot of hard work is required in order to earn a paycheck. That is why finding out that you are owed money can be quite frustrating. There are a number of things that you can do if your former or current employer owes you money. Before you try to recover your missing money, you will need to find out the amount that your employer owes you. Your employer should send out details about your salary or hourly wage. If your pay has changed, then you will need documentation to prove that. Additionally, you will need to get copies of your pay stubs.
You will need to provide proof that you were underpaid. This includes things such as time cards, pay stubs, bank statements, employment contracts and letters about your pay. Providing as much evidence as you can will increase your chances of getting the pay that you deserve.
Review the Laws in Your City and State
The federal minimum wage in America is $7.25 per hour. States are allowed to set their own minimum wage, but it cannot be less than the federal minimum wage. Federal law also requires that time and a half be paid to any employee whose work week exceeds 40 hours. For example, the employee normally makes $9 per hour. They will make $12 per hour if they work more than 40 hours per week.
Calculate the Missing Wages
It is fairly simple to calculate your missing wages. The only thing that you have to do is subtract the amount that you were actually paid from the amount that you are supposed to be paid. For example, you made $600, but you were only paid $400. Your employer owes you $200.
Talk to Your Employer
Before you take legal action, you will need to speak with your employer. Accounting errors are one of the main reasons that people are underpaid. Your hours may have been reported inaccurately. Call your employer in order to set up an appointment.
Mistakes can happen. That is why it is important to speak to your employer in a civil manner.
Contact the Department of Labor
There are several documents that you will need to give to the Department of Labor. This includes your employer's name, contact information and employer's contact information. You will also need to provide pay stubs and information about how often you are paid. Additionally, you will need to let the Department of Labor know about whether you are paid with direct deposit or a paycheck.
Contact the Labor Office in Your State
If wage laws were violated, then you will need to contact the labor office in your state. You will need to take all of the necessary forms to the office.
Wait for the Investigation
Your claim will be investigated by a state or federal agency. Forms will be sent to your employer, and this is when the investigation will begin. The final decision will be made after the investigation is completed. The investigation is final unless your employer tries to appeal it.
Participate in the Settlement
The federal or state agency may ask you to discuss a settlement with the employer. You will need to meet with the employer in order to discuss a settlement. You will need to bring your documents to the settlement. You will get your wages after the settlement is finalized.
Attend a Hearing
You will need to go to court if your employer decides to appeal the decision. However, you may not have to go to court because some states allow you to conduct a hearing over-the-phone. You will need to bring emails, letters, pay stubs and anything that has information about your paid wages. Put all of this information in a binder so that it will easy for you to keep up with everything.
Gather the Supporting Documentation
You will need to provide proof that you were underpaid. This includes things such as time cards, pay stubs, bank statements, employment contracts and letters about your pay. Providing as much evidence as you can will increase your chances of getting the pay that you deserve.
Review the Laws in Your City and State
The federal minimum wage in America is $7.25 per hour. States are allowed to set their own minimum wage, but it cannot be less than the federal minimum wage. Federal law also requires that time and a half be paid to any employee whose work week exceeds 40 hours. For example, the employee normally makes $9 per hour. They will make $12 per hour if they work more than 40 hours per week.
Calculate the Missing Wages
It is fairly simple to calculate your missing wages. The only thing that you have to do is subtract the amount that you were actually paid from the amount that you are supposed to be paid. For example, you made $600, but you were only paid $400. Your employer owes you $200.
Talk to Your Employer
Before you take legal action, you will need to speak with your employer. Accounting errors are one of the main reasons that people are underpaid. Your hours may have been reported inaccurately. Call your employer in order to set up an appointment.
Mistakes can happen. That is why it is important to speak to your employer in a civil manner.
Contact the Department of Labor
You can file a complaint with the Department of Labor if you are unable to recover your wages after you speak with your employer. You can file a complaint with the DOL for free. It is also kept confidential. You can go by the office in your area or call them to get the forms that you need to file a complaint.
There are several documents that you will need to give to the Department of Labor. This includes your employer's name, contact information and employer's contact information. You will also need to provide pay stubs and information about how often you are paid. Additionally, you will need to let the Department of Labor know about whether you are paid with direct deposit or a paycheck.
Contact the Labor Office in Your State
If wage laws were violated, then you will need to contact the labor office in your state. You will need to take all of the necessary forms to the office.
Wait for the Investigation
Your claim will be investigated by a state or federal agency. Forms will be sent to your employer, and this is when the investigation will begin. The final decision will be made after the investigation is completed. The investigation is final unless your employer tries to appeal it.
Participate in the Settlement
The federal or state agency may ask you to discuss a settlement with the employer. You will need to meet with the employer in order to discuss a settlement. You will need to bring your documents to the settlement. You will get your wages after the settlement is finalized.
Attend a Hearing
You will need to go to court if your employer decides to appeal the decision. However, you may not have to go to court because some states allow you to conduct a hearing over-the-phone. You will need to bring emails, letters, pay stubs and anything that has information about your paid wages. Put all of this information in a binder so that it will easy for you to keep up with everything.
