Do I need a lawyer to claim unpaid wages?

No. Most states let you file a wage claim with the labor board for free, and a demand letter often resolves it before that.

Typically unpaid wages and overtime, and in many states additional penalties for late or withheld final pay.

How do I prove what I am owed?

Pay stubs, time records, schedules, and text messages all help. The generated documents itemize your calculation.

Wage Theft Claim Forms

Claim unpaid wages, overtime, tips, or a withheld final paycheck.

Start your wage theft claim document

Free preview - $9 to download the court-ready PDF.

Want to see what goes in it first? Unpaid Wages Demand Letter Template (Free Sample)

Wage theft is one of the most common and most winnable claims for workers. This tool drafts a demand letter and a wage claim that itemize what you are owed and cite the labor laws that require payment.

Documents you can generate

Demand letter to the employer with an itemized total
Wage claim for the state labor board
Overtime, tips, and final-paycheck calculations
References to applicable wage-and-hour rules

How it works

Pick your state and answer a few plain-English questions.
Review a free preview of your formatted document.
Pay $9 to download the complete, court-ready PDF.

Official resources and free legal help

Deadlines, filing fees, and procedure are set by your court and change. Confirm the current rules for your case before you file.

Pro Se Legal Docs is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. These templates help you prepare your own filing; they do not replace advice from a licensed attorney in your state.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a lawyer to claim unpaid wages?: No. Most states let you file a wage claim with the labor board for free, and a demand letter often resolves it before that.
What can I recover?: Typically unpaid wages and overtime, and in many states additional penalties for late or withheld final pay.
How do I prove what I am owed?: Pay stubs, time records, schedules, and text messages all help. The generated documents itemize your calculation.

Available in every state

Pick your state for its wage theft claim forms and official court links.

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming District of Columbia

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This is a self-help document generator, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney or your local legal aid office.