Have You Been Paid What You’re Owed? Find Out With the Workers Owed Wages Tool
Oklahomans may have unclaimed wages sitting in federal accounts, waiting to be returned to their rightful owners. The U.S. Department of Labor recently reported that over $1.3 million in back wages have been identified for more than 1,600 workers across Oklahoma. Unfortunately, much of this money goes unclaimed simply because workers aren’t aware it exists.
If you think you could be owed wages or want to check just in case, the Workers Owed Wages (WOW) online tool is a fast and free resource to help you identify and recover what you’re owed.
What Are Back Wages?
Back wages are unpaid earnings that an employee should have received for work performed. They often arise due to:
- Employers unintentionally misunderstanding wage laws
- Incomplete or inaccurate payment records
- Misclassifying workers
- Issues with overtime or minimum wage compliance
Regardless of the reason, the law requires that workers be paid what they are owed.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) conducts investigations across all industries to ensure employers comply with federal wage laws. When unpaid wages are discovered, the WHD works to recover that money and return it to the workers who earned it.
How to Check if You’re Owed Money
To help workers reclaim their earnings, the Workers Owed Wages tool was created. Here’s how you can use it:
- Visit the Workers Owed Wages Tool.
- Enter your information (such as your name and employer) into the secure search portal.
- If you are owed wages, follow the instructions to claim your money.
Important: Unclaimed wages are only held for three years before being transferred to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Don’t wait—check today!
Who Can Use the Tool?
The Workers Owed Wages tool is for everyone, regardless of:
- Industry
- Job type
- Immigration status
If an investigation determines that back wages are owed, the WHD will help ensure you are paid fairly under the law.
How Long Does It Take to Receive Payment?
Once you’ve submitted the necessary paperwork, it typically takes around six weeks to receive your payment.
Why It Matters
This tool is an important step toward ensuring fairness in the workplace. Wage laws exist to protect workers, and recovering unpaid wages can make a significant difference in people's lives.
Whether you’ve recently changed jobs, worked temporary positions, or are unsure about past paychecks, it’s worth taking a moment to check for any unclaimed earnings.
Take Action Now
Unclaimed wages won’t wait forever. Visit the Workers Owed Wages Tool today to find out if you’re owed money. If you know someone who might benefit from this information, share this resource and help ensure hard-earned wages make it back into the hands of workers across Oklahoma.
Contact Information
If you have questions or need additional support, you can contact the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division:
- Phone: 1-866-487-9243
- Website: www.dol.gov/agencies/whd
