Did an Old Boss Never Pay You? The Free Federal Search That Finds Your Back Wages

Could there really be money waiting for me?

Yes, and it may be money an old employer owed you and never paid. When the Labor Department's Wage and Hour Division finds that a company broke the law, it works to recover the unpaid wages and return them to the workers.

Sometimes the agency cannot find the worker. When that happens, it holds the back wages for three years while it keeps trying to reach the person. This is your own earned pay, sitting and waiting for you to claim it.

There is a free tool for this. It is called Workers Owed Wages (WOW), and it lets you search by your former employer's name to see if any money is being held for you.

How do I search and claim it?

The process is straightforward and free. Start by searching for your employer's name in the WOW application. Then search for yourself within that company to confirm if wages are owed to you.

If there is a match, you provide your contact information so the Labor Department can send you the Back Wage Claim Form (WH-60). Complete and sign it, then create a free login.gov account to upload it securely.

You will also include one document to verify your identity, such as a Social Security card, ITIN card, driver's license or state ID, or a W-2 or pay stub. After you submit, the agency processes your claim in about six weeks and sends your owed wages.

Is there a deadline I should know about?

Two dates matter. First, the Labor Department holds unclaimed back wages for three years. After that, if it still cannot find the worker, the money is sent to the U.S. Treasury. So it pays to check now rather than later.

Second, if you already receive back wages by paper check, you must update your information. Starting October 1, 2025, all payments will be made electronically. Confirm your details in the Workers Owed Wages application so your payment is not interrupted.

One more calendar note if you are self-employed or pay estimated taxes: third-quarter estimated taxes are due September 15. It is a good time to get your money matters in order.

Does this cost anything?

No. The Workers Owed Wages search and claim process is completely free through the Labor Department. You never need to pay anyone to find or claim money that is already yours.

Be careful of any service that offers to recover your back wages for a fee. You can do every step yourself at no cost on the official government site. OpenFinancial is not a government agency and cannot claim money for you. We just point you to the free official path.

Frequently asked questions

How much money might be waiting for me?

The amount depends on the wages your employer failed to pay. The WOW search will confirm if the Labor Department is holding money for you. We do not list dollar figures here because the amount is specific to each worker.

What if I moved and never got a check?

That is exactly why this tool exists. The agency holds unclaimed wages for three years while trying to locate workers. Search your name and update your contact details so they can reach you.

Do I have to pay to claim my back wages?

No. The search and claim process is free through the Department of Labor. Avoid any service that charges a fee to recover money that is already yours.

What documents do I need to claim?

You need the signed Back Wage Claim Form (WH-60) and one ID document, such as a Social Security card, ITIN card, driver's license or state ID, or a W-2 or pay stub.