Filing a complaint with Wage and Hour Division (WHD)

What can I expect?

WHD enforces federal minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Act, among other Federal laws regarding pay.
 

  1. Step 1

    Gather information to file your complaint:

    • Your name, address, and telephone number

    • The name, address, and telephone number of the employer (or employment agency) you want to file a complaint against

    • The manager or owner’s name

    • A description of the type of work you did

    • When the events took place

    • How and when you were paid (such as cash or check, every Friday)

  2. Step 2

    Decide how you want to file:

    • Online

    • By phone at 1-866-487-9243

  3. Step 3

    Your complaint will get routed to the nearest field office, and they will contact you within two business days.

  4. Step 4

    They will work with you to answer your questions and determine whether an investigation is the best course of action.

  5. Step 5

    If an investigation is set up and finds sufficient evidence, you’ll receive a check for lost wages.

 
 
 

Questions? We’re here to help

For additional assistance, please contact:

The Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor: 1-866-4-US-WAGE (1-866-487-9243)

Your state Labor Office

All discussions with us, including complaints, are free and confidential. Your name and the nature of the complaint will not be disclosed to your employer. The only time we would share such information is when necessary to pursue an allegation, and we would only do so then with your permission, or if required by a court.