The Labor Standards Section is responsible for investigating wage claims filed by workers who are owed $2000 or less. It does not matter if the worker was an employee or an independent contractor who physically performed the work. Both are covered by the wage claim law. If after investigation the wage claim is determined to be valid, the Division of Labor is authorized to take legal action to collect the back wages. These claims typically involve last paycheck issues, and may involve commissions, vacation pay, bonuses, or unauthorized deductions.
You are not eligible to file a wage claim if:
*the amount in dispute is more than $2000; or
*you make $50,000 or more per year.
If your claim is accepted but during the investigation it is determined that your claim is over $2000 or that you make more than $50,000 per year, your claim will be closed.
You may not pursue both a civil action and a wage claim for the wages. You cannot split the amount owed through our Division and the courts. All unpaid wages must be included in your claim.
If you are filing a wage claim because you believe you are due vacation pay, sick pay, holiday pay, a bonus, or severance pay, you must provide us a copy of the company policy that states you will be paid for the type of pay you are claiming.
Please note that processing a wage claim takes time. There will be an investigation. Additionally, the employer will be provided notice of the claim and an opportunity to contest it at an administrative hearing. Similarly, if you disagree with the preliminary wage determination order, you may request an administrative hearing. Ultimately, this process generally takes at least 90 days.
If our office is unable to help you, or if you wish to consider an alternative, you have other options. You may wish to consult your own attorney or seek recovery of your wages in Small Claims Court. You do not need an attorney for Small Claims Court.
If any question requires the submission of documentation, please be prepared to send it to your investigator upon request. Without adequate proof or necessary documentation, your claim may be closed.
If you still have questions about wage claims or prefer to fill out a paper form, please call 501-682-4599. Otherwise, please use the form below to file a wage claim:
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NOTE: The burden is on you as the claimant to provide us with adequate proof of your claim and an address and contact information for the employer. If we are unable to contact the employer due to insufficient information, we may be forced to close the file. However, should your claim be closed, and you obtain new contact information for the employer you may refile your claim and we will process it accordingly.
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Official request for filing a wage claim
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NOTE: The burden is on you as the claimant to provide us with proof of your claim and an adequate address and contact information for the employer. If we are unable to contact the employer due to insufficient information, we may be forced to close the file. However, should your claim be closed, and you obtain new contact information for the employer you may refile your claim and we will process it accordingly.
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