Employer Unpaid Wages Demand Letter

Professional demand letter template for unpaid wages disputes with employers

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What is a Unpaid Wages Demand Letter?

An unpaid wages demand letter is a formal written notice sent to an employer demanding payment of earned but unpaid compensation, including regular wages, overtime, commissions, bonuses, or final paychecks. Wage theft costs workers billions annually, and this letter initiates the legal process for recovery.

Key Points:

  • Documents exact hours worked and amounts owed
  • References state and federal wage and hour laws
  • Sets deadline before filing with labor department
  • Many states allow double or triple damages for violations
Reviewed by Marcus Chen Employment Law Specialist
Last updated:

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.

← Back to Demand Letter to Employer

Create Your Unpaid Wages Demand Letter

1

Describe the Problem

Tell us about your Unpaid Wages dispute with the Employer.

2

Specify the Amount

Enter the amount you're demanding and supporting details.

3

Select Your Location

Choose your state for location-specific legal citations.

4

Generate & Send

Get your professional demand letter instantly.

Official Resources

For official guidance on your rights and options:

U.S. Department of Labor State Labor Agency Directory

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.

About FreeDemandLetter

FreeDemandLetter provides free, AI-powered demand letter generation with location-specific legal citations. Our content is reviewed by subject matter specialists and regularly updated to reflect current laws. We help thousands of people resolve disputes effectively—but we're not lawyers, and this isn't legal advice. For complex situations, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

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Legal Information Verified: January 2026. Sources include official state statutes and government consumer protection agencies. Laws change—verify current requirements with official sources for your jurisdiction.