Q. Are all employees working in New Jersey covered by the laws enforced by the Division of Wage and Hour Compliance?
A. The Division of Wage and Hour Compliance does not have jurisdiction over state, county or municipal government, or Board of Education employees, except under the Child Labor Law. These employees fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Wage and Hour Division. If you are a state, county, municipal, or board of education employee, you must call the U.S. Department of Labor at (609) 989-2247 or (609) 989-2248.
Q. May I file an anonymous claim?
A. Yes. You may file an anonymous wage claim, but you will not receive any information about your claim unless a resolution is reached with your employer and wages due are sent as part of the resolution.
To file an anonymous claim, write "ANONYMOUS" in the name section of the claim form, and leave the address blank. You must file your claim by mail or fax; you cannot file your claim by email and remain anonymous.
Q. If I put my name on the complaint will the employer be given my name?
A. It depends. Staff in Wage and Hour Compliance will try not to reveal the complainant's identity to the employer; however, it may not be possible in some situations. In addition, once an investigation is closed the employer has the right, under the Open Public Records Act (OPRA), to request all of the information on the claim and at that time your identity would be revealed.
Q. What can I do to speed up the claim process?
A. Be sure to answer all questions on the claim form. Incomplete forms will be returned to you for completion. Attach copies of any documentation that supports your claim. Please DO NOT send originals.
Q. Can a group of employees jointly file a claim?
A. No. Only individuals may file a wage claim in New Jersey. Each individual must complete a separate form.
Q. If a case representing my claim has already been filed in a court of law, may I file a wage claim?
A. No. Wage and Hour Compliance will not be able to process your claim if a wage and hour case representing your claim has already been filed in a court of law.
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