Money Recovered, But Never Delivered
When the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division finds that an employer didn’t pay workers correctly, for example skipping overtime or paying below minimum wage, it works to recover the back wages for those employees.
The problem is that people move, change phone numbers and switch jobs. When the agency can’t find a worker, it holds that money for a limited time. If no one claims it, the money is sent to the U.S. Treasury.
How Long Does the Government Hold Your Back Wages?
According to the Department of Labor, it holds back wages for three years while it keeps trying to locate the worker. After that, it is required to send the money to the U.S. Treasury. That’s why it pays to search now rather than later.
Who Should Search?
- Anyone who worked overtime and wasn’t paid time-and-a-half
- Restaurant, retail, warehouse, construction, farm and home care workers
- People who were paid in cash, by the job or as “independent contractors” for work that looked like regular employment
- Anyone who heard that a former employer was investigated or settled a wage case
How to Search Workers Owed Wages (WOW)
- Search for your employer by name in the Workers Owed Wages application. Try the business name and the parent company name.
- Find your name in the results for that employer. The system confirms whether wages are owed to you.
- Submit your contact information so the agency can email you the Back Wage Claim Form (WH-60).
- Sign and upload the form with a copy of an ID document. Uploading requires a Login.gov account.
- Wait for processing. The agency says it processes claims in about six weeks.
Documents You’ll Need
To verify your identity, the Department of Labor accepts a copy of one of the following:
- Social Security card
- Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) card
- Driver’s license or state ID
- W-2, pay stub or other employment record
Since October 1, 2025, the Department of Labor pays back wages electronically. If you previously received paper checks, you need to update your payment details in the WOW application.
What If Your Employer Isn’t Listed?
WOW only shows wages the Department of Labor itself recovered. If you believe you’re owed pay and nothing shows up, check your state’s unclaimed property database for an uncashed final paycheck (see Step 1), and contact the Wage and Hour Division about filing a complaint. Filing is free, and the agency says it keeps complaints confidential.
Official tool: Department of Labor Workers Owed Wages (free).
Next Step: Check the federal databases
There are several lesser-known federal databases for money from closed banks, bankruptcies, old pensions and mortgage insurance. The next step lists each one and who should check it.
Your Unclaimed Money Checklist
This guide is part of a 7-step series. Work through each step to make sure you haven’t missed any money in your name:
- Step 1: Search every state you have lived in
- Step 2: Check for unclaimed IRS tax refunds
- Step 3: Find old savings bonds with Treasury Hunt
- Step 4: Look for back wages from old jobs (you are here)
- Step 5: Check the federal databases
- Step 6: File your claim the right way
- Step 7: Avoid unclaimed money scams
