Free Samples: Unpaid Wages Demand Letter

Get Paid What You're Owed: Free Sample Unpaid Wages Demand Letter and Tips

An unpaid wages demand letter is a formal written document that an employee can send to their employer to request payment for any unpaid wages. 

Unpaid wages can include regular wages, overtime pay, commissions, bonuses, and other forms of compensation that an employer owes an employee. 


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Writing an unpaid wages demand letter can be a first step towards resolving a dispute between an employee and employer and can be an effective way to demonstrate to the employer that the employee is serious about pursuing their unpaid wages.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to write an unpaid wages demand letter:

  1. Start by addressing the letter to the employer or human resources department. Be sure to include the date, your name, address, and contact information.

  2. State the purpose of the letter in a clear and concise manner. Let the employer know that you are writing to demand payment for your unpaid wages.

  3. Provide a detailed description of the unpaid wages. This should include the dates of the unpaid wages, the amount owed, and the type of wages that are owed (e.g. regular wages, overtime pay, etc.).

  4. Explain why the unpaid wages are owed. For example, if you are owed overtime pay, explain how many hours you worked beyond your regular schedule and why you are entitled to overtime pay.

  5. Provide any documentation or evidence that supports your claim for unpaid wages. This may include pay stubs, timesheets, emails, or other correspondence.

  6. State the legal basis for your claim. This may include federal or state labor laws, your employment contract, or company policies and procedures.

  7. Demand payment of the unpaid wages. Be clear about the amount of money that is owed and state that you expect payment within a certain period of time.

  8. Provide a deadline for the employer to respond to your letter. This may be a week or two after the date of your letter.

  9. Close the letter by thanking the employer for their attention to this matter and expressing your willingness to work together to resolve the issue.

  10. Sign the letter and keep a copy for your records.

It is important to remember that an unpaid wages demand letter is a formal document, and it is best to remain professional and respectful throughout the writing process. 

Sample Formal Unpaid Wages Demand Letter

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
[Date]

[Employer’s Name]
[Employer’s Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I am writing to request payment for the wages that you owe me. According to my records, I have not received payment for [number of] hours of work that I completed from [date] to [date], for a total of $[amount]. I have attempted to contact you several times to resolve this matter, but I have not received a response.

Under [state/city] law, employers are required to pay their employees for all hours worked. I have fulfilled my obligations as an employee, and I expect you to fulfill your obligations as an employer. Failure to pay me the wages owed may result in legal action.

I am willing to resolve this matter amicably and avoid any legal proceedings. Please respond to this letter within [number of] days with confirmation that you will pay the wages owed. If I do not receive a response or payment, I will have no choice but to take legal action to recover the unpaid wages.

I look forward to your prompt response.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Unpaid Wages Demand Letter with Threat of Legal Action

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
[Date]

[Employer’s Name]
[Employer’s Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I am writing to request payment for the wages that you owe me. According to my records, I have not received payment for [number of] hours of work that I completed from [date] to [date], for a total of $[amount]. Despite my attempts to resolve this matter amicably, I have not received payment or a response from you.

I am disappointed that I have to resort to writing this letter, but I have no choice but to demand payment for the wages that I earned. Failure to pay me the wages owed may result in legal action. Under [state/city] law, employers are required to pay their employees for all hours worked.

I would like to avoid legal proceedings and settle this matter as soon as possible. If I do not receive payment or a response within [number of] days, I will have no choice but to seek legal counsel and take legal action to recover the unpaid wages. This could result in additional legal fees and damages.


I urge you to take immediate action to resolve this matter. Please respond to this letter within [number of] days with confirmation that you will pay the wages owed. If I do not hear from you or receive payment, I will have no choice but to pursue legal action to recover the unpaid wages.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Unpaid Wages Demand Letter with Warning of Reporting to Authorities

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
[Date]

[Employer’s Name]
[Employer’s Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I am writing to demand payment for the wages that you owe me. According to my records, I have not received payment for [number of] hours of work that I completed from [date] to [date], for a total of $[amount]. I have contacted you several times regarding this matter, but I have not received a response.

As you are aware, under [state/city] law, employers are required to pay their employees for all hours worked. Failure to do so is a violation of the law and could result in penalties and fines. If you do not pay me the wages owed,

I will have no choice but to report this violation to the appropriate authorities. This could result in an investigation and additional penalties for your business.

I would like to avoid legal action and reporting this matter to authorities. I urge you to take immediate action to resolve this matter by paying the wages owed. Please respond to this letter within [number of] days with confirmation that you will pay the wages owed.

If I do not hear from you or receive payment, I will have no choice but to report this violation and pursue legal action to recover the unpaid wages. I hope that we can resolve this matter amicably and without further delay.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Letter Requesting Last Paycheck

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]

[Date]

[Employer’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Subject: Request for Issuance of Last Paycheck

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to formally request the issuance of my last paycheck, which I believe has not been received or processed yet.

As per my records, my employment with [Company Name] ended on [Last Working Day], and according to [company policy/employment agreement], I am entitled to receive my final wages within [specific time frame] after the termination of my employment. However, it has been [duration since termination] since I left the company, and I have not yet received my last paycheck.

I kindly request your assistance in resolving this matter promptly. The details of my employment are as follows:

  • Full Name: [Your Full Name]
  • Employee ID: [Your Employee ID, if applicable]
  • Last Working Day: [Date of your last working day]
  • Final Pay Period: [Date range of the final pay period]
  • Gross Wages Earned: [Amount of gross wages earned for the final pay period]

I have attached copies of relevant documents, such as my employment contract, pay stubs for the previous pay periods, and any other supporting documentation that may be necessary for processing my final paycheck. Please let me know if there is any additional information or documentation required from my end.

I would appreciate it if you could investigate this matter and provide me with an update on when I can expect to receive my last paycheck. Timely resolution of this issue will help me to address any pending financial obligations and ensure a smooth transition after my departure from the company.

If there are any outstanding expenses or deductions that need to be taken into account for the final calculation of my wages, I kindly request a detailed breakdown of these deductions along with the final net amount payable.

I would prefer to receive the last paycheck through [preferred payment method], as previously used during my employment. Alternatively, please provide instructions on the preferred method and location for collecting the paycheck.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust that you will address my request promptly and facilitate the release of my last paycheck. If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].

I look forward to your prompt response and the resolution of this matter.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name

Sample Letter to Employer Regarding Pay

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]

[Date]

[Employer’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Subject: Concerns Regarding My Pay

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my concerns regarding my pay, specifically related to an issue I have identified in my recent pay statement.

Upon reviewing my pay stub for [pay period/date], I noticed a discrepancy between the amount deposited into my account and the expected amount based on my agreed-upon salary and working hours. I believe there may have been an error or misunderstanding in the calculation or processing of my pay.

To provide further context, I would like to outline the relevant details:

  • Pay Period: [Date range of the pay period in question]
  • Expected Gross Wages: [Amount of gross wages I anticipated based on my agreed-upon salary]
  • Actual Gross Wages: [Amount of gross wages reflected in my pay statement]
  • Hours Worked: [Number of hours worked during the pay period]
  • Pay Rate: [My agreed-upon hourly wage or salary]
  • Deductions: [List any deductions that have been applied to my pay]

After carefully reviewing my employment agreement and consulting with the company’s payroll policies, I believe that there may be an error in the calculation of my pay for the mentioned pay period. I kindly request your assistance in reviewing the situation and rectifying any discrepancies that may exist.

I have attached copies of relevant documents, including my employment agreement, timesheets for the period in question, and any other supporting documents that may aid in resolving this issue. Please review these materials and inform me of any additional information or documentation required from my end.

I would appreciate it if you could initiate an investigation into this matter promptly and provide me with a detailed explanation of the discrepancies identified in my pay. 

Additionally, I kindly request that you take the necessary steps to rectify any errors and ensure that my subsequent pay statements accurately reflect my agreed-upon salary and the hours I have worked.

Prompt resolution of this matter is essential to maintain a positive working relationship and avoid any potential financial hardship. I trust in your commitment to addressing employee concerns and ensuring fair and accurate compensation for all staff members.

I kindly request that you keep me informed of the progress made in resolving this issue and provide an update on the actions taken to rectify the situation. 

If necessary, I am available for a meeting or discussion to further clarify any details or provide additional information that may assist in resolving this matter swiftly.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I believe in open communication and am confident that we can work together to resolve this issue promptly and amicably. 

Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].

I look forward to your prompt response and the resolution of this concern.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

Sample Unpaid Salary Complaint Letter

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]

[Date]

[Employer’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Subject: Unpaid Salary Complaint

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my deep concern and frustration regarding the non-payment of my salary for the period of [specific time frame]. Despite numerous attempts to address this issue informally, the matter remains unresolved, leaving me with no choice but to file this formal complaint.

As an employee of [Company Name], I have consistently fulfilled my responsibilities, dedicating my time, skills, and efforts to contribute to the success of the organization. 

However, it has come to my attention that my salary for the aforementioned period has not been disbursed as expected, which has caused significant financial strain and uncertainty for me.

To provide further context, I would like to outline the relevant details:

  • Pay Period: [Date range of the unpaid salary period]
  • Amount Due: [Total unpaid salary amount]
  • Previous Attempts: [Briefly mention any previous attempts made to address the issue]

I have made several attempts to resolve this matter through informal communication channels, including speaking with the HR department and following up with my immediate supervisor. 

However, despite these efforts, the issue remains unresolved, and I have not received any satisfactory explanation or resolution regarding the non-payment of my salary.

I understand that unforeseen circumstances or administrative errors can occur, leading to payment delays. However, it is essential for employees to receive timely and accurate compensation for their work, as agreed upon in their employment contract. 

The non-payment of my salary not only violates the terms of my employment agreement but also creates financial hardship and erodes the trust and confidence I have placed in the company.

I kindly request your immediate attention to this matter and a prompt resolution of the unpaid salary issue. I urge you to initiate an investigation into the reasons for the delay and take appropriate actions to rectify the situation without further delay. 

Timely resolution will not only demonstrate the company’s commitment to its employees but also uphold its legal and ethical obligations.

I have attached copies of relevant documents, including my employment contract, timesheets, and any other supporting documentation that may assist in resolving this issue. I trust that you will thoroughly review these materials and take the necessary steps to ensure the prompt payment of my outstanding salary.

Please provide me with a written explanation of the causes of the salary delay, the proposed timeline for payment, and any corrective measures taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. Additionally, I kindly request that you keep me informed of the progress made in resolving this matter.

I firmly believe in maintaining a positive working relationship and resolving conflicts through open communication and mutual understanding. I hope that we can resolve this matter amicably and promptly, without the need for further escalation.

Thank you for your immediate attention to this serious matter. I expect to receive a satisfactory resolution to this unpaid salary complaint within [reasonable timeframe]. 

If I do not receive a response or encounter further delays, I may be compelled to explore legal remedies to protect my rights and seek the rightful payment of my salary.

I can be reached at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] if you require any further information or wish to discuss this matter further.

I look forward to your prompt response and the resolution of this unpaid salary issue.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

Sample Letter for Unpaid Salary from Employer

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]

[Employer’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Subject: Formal Request for Unpaid Salary

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to address a pressing matter regarding my unpaid salary for the month of [Month], which is currently outstanding.

As an employee of [Company Name], I have always strived to fulfill my professional responsibilities diligently and contribute to the success of the company. However, I have recently faced an unfortunate situation where I have not received my rightful compensation for the work I have rendered.

To provide you with a clear understanding of the issue, I would like to outline the details of the unpaid salary:

  1. Salary Period: [Start Date] to [End Date]
  2. Amount Due: [Specify the exact amount]
  3. Nature of Work: [Briefly describe the tasks and responsibilities carried out during this period]

I believe in maintaining open and transparent communication, and I would like to discuss this matter with you to find a swift resolution. I request a meeting at your earliest convenience to address the outstanding salary issue. Please inform me of a suitable time and date, and I will make myself available accordingly.

While I understand that unforeseen circumstances may occur, it is essential to ensure that all employees are compensated in a timely manner for their hard work and dedication. As per our employment agreement and legal obligations, I kindly request that you prioritize resolving this matter promptly.

In the event that my salary has been inadvertently overlooked or delayed due to administrative or technical issues, I kindly request you to rectify the situation and ensure that the payment is made promptly. If there are any specific reasons for the delay, I would appreciate receiving a detailed explanation to clarify the situation.

If, for any reason, there are challenges in fulfilling the salary payment at this time, I kindly request you to communicate the circumstances to me in writing. Together, we can explore possible solutions and establish a mutually agreeable arrangement to settle the unpaid salary.

I trust that you will take immediate action to address this matter and ensure that my salary is disbursed without further delay. I have always maintained a positive and professional relationship with the company, and I am confident that we can resolve this issue amicably.

I look forward to meeting with you to discuss this matter further. Please feel free to contact me at [Phone Number] or [Email Address] to schedule a meeting or provide any additional information you may require.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I appreciate your prompt action in resolving the unpaid salary issue.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a demand letter for unpaid wages?

Answer: A demand letter for unpaid wages is a legal document that requests payment for wages that an employee believes they are owed by their employer. 

It typically includes details about the amount of unpaid wages, the reason for the unpaid wages, and a deadline for payment.

2. What should be included in a demand letter for unpaid wages?

Answer: A demand letter for unpaid wages should include the amount of unpaid wages, the reason for the unpaid wages, the dates when the wages were earned, a deadline for payment, and a statement that legal action may be taken if the wages are not paid by the deadline.

3. How should a demand letter for unpaid wages be delivered?

Answer: A demand letter for unpaid wages should be delivered in writing, either by mail or by hand delivery. It is important to keep a copy of the letter for your records and to have proof of delivery.

4. What happens if an employer does not pay the unpaid wages after a demand letter is sent?

Answer: If an employer does not pay the unpaid wages after a demand letter is sent, the employee may choose to file a complaint with the appropriate state labor agency or to file a lawsuit in court to recover the unpaid wages.

5. Can an attorney help with a demand letter for unpaid wages?

Answer: Yes, an attorney can help with a demand letter for unpaid wages. An attorney can help an employee draft a demand letter that includes all the necessary information and can advise the employee on the legal options available if the employer does not pay the unpaid wages. 

Additionally, if the employee chooses to file a complaint with the labor agency or file a lawsuit, an attorney can assist with the process.

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