Who to call if your boss doesn't pay you?

Asked by: Hadley Volkman  |  Last update: August 20, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (10 votes)

You may contact the US Department of Labor at 866-487-9243 or https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/contact/complaints.

What to do if your boss doesn't pay you?

What to Do if Your Boss Doesn't Pay You What They Owe You
  1. Talk to Your Boss. The first step to recovering unpaid wages is to ask your employer. ...
  2. Hire a Lawyer. Contact an employment lawyer if informal requests don't succeed. ...
  3. Report Unpaid Wages. ...
  4. File a Lawsuit.

What is the law on unpaid wages in Maryland?

Maryland employers who fail to pay owed wages risk harsh legal penalties. They can end up paying you three times what they owe you, plus your attorney fees. They may even face criminal prosecution.

Can I sue my boss if he doesn't pay me?

If your former employer has failed to pay you the full amount owed for your work, you may have grounds to file a wage claim or lawsuit against them. It's important to gather evidence to support your claim, such as pay stubs, employment contracts, and any communications regarding your salary.

Can I refuse to work if I don't get paid?

Legally, you may have the right to refuse work if your employer hasn't paid you, but this can vary by state. Always seek legal advice before taking such actions.

Watchdog Tip of Day: When your boss doesn't pay you

33 related questions found

What if I haven't gotten paid from my job?

If the regular payday for the last pay period an employee worked has passed and the employee has not been paid, contact the Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division or the state labor department. The Department also has mechanisms in place for the recovery of back wages.

How do I file a complaint against my employer in Maryland?

An applicant or employee may file a written complaint with the appropriate head of the principal unit within 1 year after the complainant knew, or reasonably should have known, of the alleged violation of the State's Fair Employment Practices Policy (SPP 5-211).

Can I sue my employer for paying me late in Maryland?

If you believe your employer owes you $5,000 or less, you can file a case in small claims court for the unpaid wages. Small claims cases are heard by the District Court, and usually involve relatively simple court procedures.

Is it illegal to withhold a paycheck in Maryland?

Employers in Maryland may not withhold any part of any paycheck unless authorized by law or the employee. If an employee is denied their final paycheck in Maryland, there are three options under the Maryland Wage Payment and Collection Law. The first is to file a claim online with the Maryland Department of Labor.

What happens if I don't get paid on payday?

According to California Labor Code 210, employers who fail to pay workers on time are subject to financial penalties. Penalties are extra fines that California imposes on your employer for violating your rights as an employee. They aim to deter your employer from illegally withholding wages in the future.

What can I do if my employer keeps paying me late?

If your employer is paying you unreasonably late or not paying regularly, you may need legal help. An attorney can inform you of your rights under state payday laws and assist you in pursuing what you are owed. To learn about your options, contact an experienced employment law attorney in your state.

Can my employer not pay me if there is no work?

Through the Wage and Hour Division, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) enforces the FLSA. The FLSA sets the number of hours in a workday and workweek and when you are "at work" and "not at work." In general, any time you are under your employer's control, your employer must pay you.

What is it called when you work but don't get paid?

Wage theft occurs when an employer doesn't pay an employee the benefits they've earned, be it wages or other benefits such as a lunch break; it is illegal. Employees can file complaints against their employers to the Department of Labor and, depending on where they live, the department of labor in their state.

What if my boss forgot to pay me?

Advise the company as soon as possible if your paycheck is short or missing. If you don't get paid promptly, you can file an unpaid wages claim with the state or federal Department of Labor.

How long does a company have to correct a payroll error?

For example, California Wage Law includes penalties for late paychecks or underpayment mistakes. Employees in California are entitled to a full day of wages at their regular rate for each day it takes their employer to fix the mistake (up to a total of 30 days).

What if your boss pays you late?

First, an employee may file a claim with state authorities to recover their pay. Withholding earnings may entitle an employee to penalty fees paid by an employer for each day payment is late up to 30 days. Employers are required to pay employees twice a month or on specified paydays.

How to report unpaid wages in Maryland?

To request a claim form be mailed, call 410-767-2357 or you may download the claim form below. Be sure to answer all questions and follow directions when completing the claim form. The claim form must include your signature and be sent to ESS before an investigation is initiated.

Is it illegal to not get paid on time in Maryland?

Penalties Under Maryland Law

An order to pay the unpaid wages; An order to pay up to three times the unpaid wages, plus attorney fees; and. Criminal penalties.

Can I sue my employer for emotional distress in Maryland?

Yes, you can sue an employer for emotional distress in Maryland. There are various avenues available for pursuing such claims, each with its own requirements and legal nuances. Therefore, it is essential to consult with an experienced attorney who can offer guidance on the most effective strategy for your situation.

Should I file a complaint against my boss?

While there are absolutely situations where reporting your boss should be the first plan of action (for example, if your boss is harassing you or creating an unsafe work environment), there are other, less serious situations where a simple conversation with your manager could be an effective way to solve the problem.

How do I contact the labor board in Maryland?

Contact Us - Maryland Department of Labor
  1. BEACON - 667-207-6520.
  2. BEACON for Employers - 410-949-0033.

What do I do if I'm not being paid?

To pursue your own claim for unpaid wages, you should file a wage claim with the Labor Commissioner's Wage Claim Adjudication Unit, in addition to filing a BOFE report. A notice of your wage claim will be sent to your employer. CALIFORNIA LABOR LAWS PROTECT ALL WORKERS REGARDLESS OF IMMIGRATION STATUS.

What happens if payroll is submitted late?

One to five days late results in a 2% penalty. Six to 15 days late results in a 5% penalty. 16 days late or within 10 days of the first IRS notice results in a 10% penalty. 10 days after the first IRS notice results in a maximum penalty of 15%

What to do when I don't get paid?

First, inform your manager who can help you identify if your issue is related to a pay transaction or a Human Resources matter.