How to Get Unpaid Wages, Overtime, or a Final Paycheck

Name: Unpaid Wages Claim Kit by ReadyPro Se
Brand: ReadyPro Se
Price: 24.00 USD
Availability: InStock

If your employer didn’t pay you for all your hours, skipped overtime, withheld your final paycheck, or took illegal deductions, you have options. This kit helps you calculate what you are owed, demand payment, file a wage claim with a labor agency or in court, and collect your money.

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Watch the Deadline

Wage claims have time limits. Under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, you generally have two years to file, or three years if the violation was willful. State deadlines differ. Start now, even if you are still working for the employer.

The six stages of your case

Most wage claims move through these six stages over one to six months.

Track Your Hours and Pay. Write down every shift and payment, and gather pay stubs and schedules.
Calculate What You Are Owed. Add up unpaid hours, overtime, final pay, and illegal deductions.
Demand Payment. Send a calm, specific demand letter with your total and a deadline.
Choose Where to File. Decide between a state or federal labor agency and small claims or civil court.
Your Hearing. Bring your log, pay records, calculator, and witnesses, and tell your story simply.
Collect Your Money. Ask for payment, and use agency or court tools if your employer doesn’t pay.

The golden rule: Write down your hours and pay now. Your own records are often the most important evidence in a wage claim.

Unpaid Wages Claim Kit with fillable court forms

$24 · instant download · 13 fillable PDFs

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Is this kit right for you?

Use this kit if you worked as an employee and were not paid minimum wage, overtime, your final paycheck, or wages you were promised.

This kit is not for discrimination, injury, or unemployment claims. If you were told you were an independent contractor but were treated like an employee, this kit can help you get started. Ask legal aid as well.

What's included (13 fillable PDFs)

Unpaid Wages Claim Guide: This guide: six one-page stages with diagrams, checklists, and deadlines.
Hours and Pay Log: Record every shift, hour, and payment.
Wage Calculator: Add up unpaid wages, overtime, and other amounts owed.
Wage Demand Letter: Ask your employer for payment by a firm deadline.
Agency Complaint Prep Worksheet: Gather everything a labor agency will ask for.
Sample Completed Wage Claim: A filled-in example with notes on every part.
Statement of Claim for Unpaid Wages: A fillable claim for small claims or civil court.
Retaliation Log: Record any punishment for asking about your pay.
Hearing Prep Worksheet: Plan your two-minute summary and your answers.
Collecting Your Judgment: Turn a win into actual payment.
Certificate of Service: Proof you sent each filing to your employer.
Case Calendar and Deadline Tracker: Track every date, filing, and payment.
Legal Terms Glossary: Wage and court words in plain English.

The forms are fillable PDFs. Type into each box in the free Adobe Acrobat Reader, save, and print. ReadyPro Se is the first self-help legal tech tool created by J.D.s and attorneys, not tech companies.

Key deadlines to watch

Track Your Hours and Pay: The federal deadline is generally two years from each missed paycheck, three if willful. Older pay periods may already be lost.
Calculate What You Are Owed: Calculate now, then send your demand. The deadline to file keeps running.
Demand Payment: Give 10 to 14 days to pay. Then move to Stage 4.
Choose Where to File: Agency and court deadlines differ. File before the earliest deadline that applies to you.
Your Hearing: Missing your hearing can end your claim. Arrive at least 30 minutes early.
Collect Your Money: Collection and appeal deadlines are often short. Check your decision for dates.

Deadlines differ by state and by court. Check the papers you received and your court's rules.

Common questions

What if I was paid in cash?

You still have rights. Your log, messages, and witnesses can prove your hours and pay.

What counts as work time?

Generally, time you are required to work or allowed to work, including required meetings, training, and many short breaks. Rules vary for meal breaks and travel.

Am I exempt from overtime?

Many workers are not. Exemptions generally depend on your actual duties and salary level, not your job title. Being paid a salary does not by itself make you exempt.

What are liquidated damages?

Under the federal law, workers who win may also get liquidated damages, often an equal additional amount. Some states add other penalties.

Is it illegal for my employer to punish me for asking?

Federal and state laws generally prohibit retaliation for complaining about wages. Record any retaliation in your Retaliation Log.

Should I send a demand if I still work there?

You can. Some workers file with an agency instead, which may investigate without naming who complained.

Agency or court: which is better?

Agencies are free and investigate for you but can be slow. Small claims is faster for smaller amounts, but you must prove your case yourself. Legal aid can help you choose.

Can a lawyer take my case for free?

Many wage laws let winning workers recover attorney fees, so some lawyers take wage cases with no upfront cost.

Where to get free help

U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division: Investigates federal minimum wage and overtime complaints for free.
State labor department: Most states take wage claims for free and can order employers to pay.
Legal aid and worker centers: Free help for workers, including in many languages.
Court self-help centers: Help with small claims and civil court forms.
Bar association referral services: Many wage lawyers take cases with no upfront fee.

You earned that money. Keep good records, put everything in writing, and follow through.

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