Filing a Wage Claim Instructions
Disclaimer: Montana’s Department of Labor and Industry has the authority to enforce the Montana Wage Payment Act, minimum wage, overtime, the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and prevailing wage laws.
DLI does not lawfully represent the parties to any proceeding. You will be notified further about your claim status following the review of the information provided. Note: any information or documentation that you provide as part of your submission is not confidential. Please do not submit information that you consider to be confidential.
Filing a Wage Claim in Montana
If you believe you are owed wages and have been unable to resolve the issue with your employer, you can either file a wage claim with the Montana Department of Labor & Industry or file a complaint in District Court.
The Department of Labor & Industry offers an online informal wage claim filing process which may include mediation and a contested case hearing, if necessary. Follow the steps below to file your claim with the Department.
Attempt to Resolve the Issue Independently
Before filing a wage claim, did you try to resolve the matter directly with your employer? Have you viewed our frequently asked questions to better understand the wage concerns or to facilitate a conversation and resolution with your employer?
If you have not been successful in resolving the matter, you may proceed by filing a wage claim. Alternatively, you may choose to pursue the matter through the district court.
Review Resources and Instructions
Review the resources on this website carefully to determine whether the matter is a violation of law which falls under the Department’s authority. Some matters may require legal assistance and/or a separate civil court action.
Complete the Electronic Wage Claim
For best results, before you begin, make sure you have the following information readily available:
- Your information: Full name, mailing address, email, phone number, and your Social Security number.
- Employer information: Business name, contact person, mailing address(es), email, and phone number.
- Wage details: You will be asked to select one or more wage categories that best fit your wage concern(s). Indicate the time period and the amount you believe is owed (providing your best estimate, if necessary) for each category.
- Supporting documentation: You will need to attach any documentation or records that support your claim (e.g., pay stubs, timecards, correspondence, policies, wage agreements).
- Supporting explanation: Please include details explaining your claim and how you calculated the amount owed.
Submit Your Completed Claim and Await Confirmation
Once your claim is received, you will receive confirmation. Please be patient - claims are processed in the order they are received.
Need a Form in Person?
Wage claim forms are also available at Job Service offices across Montana or you may request a claim form by emailing the Department directly at dlierdwage@mt.gov.
Submitting a Concern
If your issue does not involve unpaid wages, you may still submit a concern related to the following programs:
- HB226 LEGAL Act
- Child Labor
- Contractor Registration
- Employment Verification
- Home Inspector
- Independent Contractor
- Licensing
- Montana Military Service Employment Rights Act
- Prevailing Wage
- Workers' Compensation
Visit the Department’s website and select "Submit a Concern" under Online Services.