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DOL Recovered $259 Million in Back Wages: How Workers Can Search for Money

The Wage and Hour Division reported recovering more than $259 million in back wages for nearly 177,000 workers during fiscal year 2025. Some money can remain unclaimed when workers cannot initially be located.

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DOL Recovered 9 Million in Back Wages: How Workers Can Search for Money

Quick answer: Workers can use the Department of Labor’s Workers Owed Wages search tool to check whether the Wage and Hour Division is holding recovered wages from a completed investigation.

The recovery figures

The Department reported more than $259 million in back wages for 176,957 workers, averaging approximately $1,465 per affected employee.

Why wages remain unclaimed

Employees may move, change contact information, use a different name, or leave the employer before an investigation ends. The agency can recover money but still need to locate the worker.

  1. Open the Workers Owed Wages tool.
  2. Search for the employer.
  3. Provide requested identity information.
  4. Follow claim instructions.
  5. Submit supporting records if requested.
  6. Keep copies of communications.

Types of wages recovered

Useful records

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Workers Owed Wages?

A DOL search tool for certain recovered wages.

How much was recovered in FY2025?

More than $259 million.

Is every claim listed?

No.

Is there a fee?

No.

What if the employer is absent?

Contact WHD or review state claim options.

Official Sources

This article is for general educational purposes and is not legal, tax, accounting, payroll, or employment advice. Rules can change and may differ by state, locality, occupation, employer, and employee circumstances.

Reviewed for accuracy by the OvertimePayUSA editorial team using official labor sources such as the U.S. Department of Labor and state agencies.
Official Sources

This calculator is for educational purposes only. Consult your employer or a labor attorney for advice specific to your situation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can my employer require me to work overtime?
Yes. Employers can require overtime work. However, they must pay the required overtime premium (1.5x or higher per state law) for hours over the threshold. Refusing to work overtime may result in termination, but employers cannot refuse to pay overtime premiums that are legally owed.
What should I do if I think I'm owed unpaid overtime?
Document everything: save pay stubs, time records, emails, and any communications about hours worked. Calculate what you believe is owed. Contact your employer in writing first. If they don't respond satisfactorily, file a complaint with your state Department of Labor or the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division. Consider consulting an employment attorney for large amounts.
Is my salaried position automatically exempt from overtime?
No. Many salaried positions still qualify for overtime pay. Exemption requires: (1) earning above the minimum threshold (~$35,500 federally, varies by state), and (2) spending more than 50% of time in exempt duties (executive, professional, administrative). If unsure, file a wage claim or consult an employment attorney.
Can I get overtime pay if I work multiple jobs?
Federal overtime laws (FLSA) typically count only hours for a single employer. However, some states have more generous rules. Hours worked for different employers at the same time usually don't combine for overtime purposes unless you're an independent contractor. Check your state's Department of Labor for specific rules.
What's the statute of limitations for claiming unpaid overtime?
Federally, you have 2-3 years to file a lawsuit for unpaid wages (3 years for willful violations). State laws vary: California allows 3-4 years, New York allows 6 years. For administrative complaints, the timeframe is often shorter (1-2 years). Act quickly if you believe you're owed wages.
Do I have to be paid for meal breaks?
If you work during a meal break or cannot take a true break away from your workstation, that time must be paid. If you take an actual, uninterrupted break (usually 20+ minutes), it can be unpaid. Rules vary by state—check your state's Department of Labor for specifics.
What is Workers Owed Wages?
A DOL search tool for certain recovered wages.
How much was recovered in FY2025?
More than $259 million.
What if the employer is absent?
Contact WHD or review state claim options.
⚖️ Statutory Legal Authority: Overtime pay calculations strictly follow the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), 29 U.S.C. § 207 and U.S. Department of Labor (WHD) Regulations 29 C.F.R. Part 778. State daily overtime rules comply with California Labor Code § 510, Colorado COMPS Order #38, and Alaska Stat. § 23.10.060.