Getting paid what you’re owed
Plain-language answers to common questions about unpaid wages, overtime, deductions, and breaks — with simple steps and where to check the rules. Free to read, no account needed.
I was online on two apps at once — how many hours did I actually work?
Running two delivery apps at the same time: why you can't add up the hours each one counted, which number covers the whole week, and what that week really paid.
I run two delivery apps — how do I split my fuel between them?
You don’t. A tank of fuel doesn’t belong to one app or the other, and there is no honest way to divide it — here is what to do with costs instead.
My app says it paid me more than reached my bank — is that the same as being underpaid for the week?
Two different findings that look alike: a gap between what one app says it paid and what landed, and a whole-week rate that came out low. One names a platform, the other names nobody.
Does overtime start after 40 hours in a week, or after 8 in a day?
Both rules exist, and the same week of hours gives a different answer under each. Which one applies to you depends on your own agreement and where you work — here is how to tell what your week looks like under yours.
My pay stub adds up — can I still have been underpaid?
Yes, and it is the case nothing catches: the hours and the gross agree with each other perfectly while the rate they imply is below what you agreed.
My boss isn’t paying me for all the hours I work — what can I do?
When the hours on your paycheck don’t match the hours you actually worked.
Is it legal for my employer to not pay me overtime?
Whether overtime applies depends on the role and the state — here’s how to tell.
My paycheck is less than it should be — how do I prove it?
Pin down the gap between what you expected and what you got, and keep a clear record.
Can my employer take money out of my pay for mistakes or uniforms?
Some deductions are routine; others for breakages, shortfalls or uniforms are limited — and it varies by state.
My boss makes me work through my breaks — is that allowed?
Break rules vary by state, but time you’re still working is generally work time.
How do I report my employer for not paying me properly?
You have options — and arriving with an organized, dated record helps most.
My employer keeps paying me late — is that legal and what can I do?
When your pay keeps arriving late, or on an unpredictable schedule.
I never got my final paycheck after I quit or was fired — how do I get it?
Getting the last paycheck after leaving a job.
My boss pays me in cash with no pay stubs — is that a problem?
Being paid in cash with nothing in writing — and why your own record matters.
I’m treated like a contractor but work like an employee — am I misclassified?
When you’re labeled a “1099 contractor” but the job looks like a regular employee’s.
My tips are being taken or shared — is that allowed?
When your tips are pooled, shared with managers, or kept by the employer.
I think I’m being paid less than minimum wage — what should I do?
When effective pay seems to fall below the applicable minimum.
Can my employer make me work off the clock before or after my shift?
Prep, cleanup, and tasks around your shift that aren’t being counted or paid.
I’m not being paid for training or meetings — is that allowed?
Required training, orientation, and meetings that aren’t showing up in your pay.
My employer isn’t paying me right for holidays or PTO — what can I do?
Holiday pay, vacation, and paid time off that don’t match what you were promised.
Can my boss change my hours or pay without telling me?
Surprise cuts to your schedule or pay rate, or changes applied after the fact.
I was fired right after I complained about my pay — is that retaliation?
Being disciplined, cut, or let go soon after raising a pay concern.
My employer owes me money I spent out of my own pocket for work — how do I get it back?
Out-of-pocket costs for tools, mileage, supplies, or uniforms that weren’t reimbursed.
These guides are general information for the US, not legal advice, and the specifics vary by state — check dol.gov or your state labor department for the rules where you live.