Did an Old Employer Owe You Wages? This Free Federal Search Can Tell You

What is this money, and why might some be yours?

When the Department of Labor finds that an employer broke wage laws, it works to recover the unpaid wages and return them to workers. That is the Wage and Hour Division's job.

Sometimes the Department recovers money for a worker but cannot find that person. Maybe you moved. Maybe you changed jobs. So the money sits and waits.

The Department holds these back wages for three years while it keeps trying to reach people. If it still cannot find you after that time, the money is sent to the U.S. Treasury. That is why checking sooner is smart.

How do I search to see if I have money waiting?

You use the free Workers Owed Wages (WOW) tool on the Department of Labor website. First, enter your employer's name to find the company. Then search for yourself within the system.

The tool will tell you if the Department is holding wages owed to you. There is no fee to search and no fee to claim. This is a free government service.

If you worked somewhere and suspect you were shorted pay, it costs nothing to look. Even old jobs are worth checking.

What happens after I find my name?

If the system shows wages owed to you, you give your contact details. The Department then sends you the Back Wage Claim Form (form WH-60) and instructions by email.

You complete and sign the form. Then you create a free login.gov account to securely upload it. You also include a copy of one ID document, 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 Wage and Hour Division processes your claim in about six weeks and sends your owed wages.

One important update for October 2025

Starting October 1, 2025, all back wage payments are made electronically. Paper checks are ending.

If you already receive back wages by paper check, you must update your information to keep getting paid. You can confirm your details in the Workers Owed Wages application.

This change is free to complete. No one should charge you to update your payment details with the Department of Labor.

Frequently asked questions

Does it cost anything to search or claim?

No. The Workers Owed Wages tool is a free government service. You never need to pay anyone to search for or claim your back wages.

How long does the Department hold the money?

It holds recovered back wages for three years while trying to reach workers. After that, if it still cannot find you, the money goes to the U.S. Treasury.

What do I need to claim my wages?

You complete and sign the Back Wage Claim Form (WH-60), create a free login.gov account to upload it, and include one ID document like a Social Security card, driver's license, or a W-2 or pay stub.

I used to get a paper check. Do I need to do anything?

Yes. As of October 1, 2025, payments are electronic. If you received paper checks, update your information in the Workers Owed Wages application to keep getting paid.