The Wage War Playbook
Know the Deadlines
Most states give employers a limited time to fix wage violations. Know your state's laws.
Document the Theft
Timesheets, emails, texts, promises… gather every shred of evidence.
Calculate *Everything*
Regular hours, overtime, breaks, commissions. Don't let them shortchange you a single cent.
Your Paycheck's Bill of Rights
Many states have serious penalties for wage theft, including double or triple damages. Know your rights.
Common Unpaid Wages Situations
Browse demand letter templates for specific Unpaid Wages disputes:
Unpaid Overtime
Demand payment for overtime hours your employer failed to compensate properly.
Final Paycheck
Demand your final paycheck when your employer fails to pay after termination.
Sales Commission Dispute
Demand payment of earned sales commissions that employer is withholding or calculated incorrectly.
Tip Theft
Demand compensation when employers or managers illegally take your tips.
Minimum Wage Violation
Demand proper wages when your employer pays below the legal minimum wage.
PTO Payout
Demand payout of accrued PTO or vacation time that your employer failed to pay.
Wrongful Termination
Demand compensation for termination that violated law, contract, or public policy.
Workplace Discrimination Complaint
Demand action against discriminatory treatment based on protected characteristics.
Sexual Harassment Complaint
Demand employer action to stop sexual harassment and compensate for damages.
FMLA Violation
Demand FMLA rights when employer denied leave or retaliated against you.
Wage War FAQ
When should I send a demand letter?
The moment they miss a payment or short your check. Don't let it slide - delays can hurt your claim.
What if they retaliate?
Retaliation for wage complaints is illegal in most states. Document everything and consider filing with your state labor board.
Can I recover unpaid overtime?
Yes. If you worked over 40 hours/week and weren't paid time-and-a-half, you may recover the unpaid amount plus penalties.
What about my final paycheck?
Most states require final paychecks within days of termination. Late payment often triggers automatic penalties.
How far back can I claim unpaid wages?
Typically 2-3 years for federal claims, but state laws vary. Some states allow claims going back further.
Do I need to prove my hours?
Any evidence helps: timecards, emails with timestamps, text messages, witness statements, or reconstructed schedules.
Can I file anonymously?
Not typically, but there are strong anti-retaliation protections. Some claims through labor boards offer more privacy than lawsuits.
How this page is produced
FreeDemandLetter uses structured jurisdiction data and AI-assisted drafting to provide general educational information. We are not a law firm, and this is not legal advice. Laws and procedures change, so verify important citations with the linked official source or a licensed attorney before relying on them.