Wage Claim Investigation Process
After a wage and hour claim is filed, the complainant is sent an acknowledgment letter and the claim is reviewed by a supervisor. Depending on the nature of the complaint, the claim will be assigned to a field investigator, handled by mail, or referred for a Wage Collection proceeding.
- Assigned to a field investigator - If the wage and hour claim is assigned to a field investigator, the field investigator will contact you to make arrangements for an inspection.
- Handled by mail - If the claim is handled by mail you will be sent a copy of the claim and given the opportunity to either pay the wages due or explain why the wages are not due.
- Referred for a Wage Collection proceeding - If the claim is referred to the Wage Collection section, you will be notified of the date, time and location of the hearing. Most hearings are held in Trenton, however, other locations are available upon request.
The employer will be notified of the results of the investigation, after the investigation is completed. The employer will be notified of the results. If it is determined that wages are due, the employer will be notified in writing and will be sent an Assessment Letter explaining the wages, fees and penalties. The employer will have the option to issue the payment (wages due) directly to the employee or send payment to the Mew Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, which will forward the money to the complainant. Any fees or penalties that are assessed must be sent directly to the Division.
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