Wage Theft FAQ: The Questions California Workers Ask Most

Every month California workers ask the same core questions about wage theft. This post answers the most common ones directly and without jargon.

The Top Questions

How far back can I go? Three years for most wage claims. Do I need a lawyer? No — the DLSE accepts claims directly. Can my employer fire me for filing? Retaliation is illegal and triggers additional claims. What if I’m undocumented? California protects all workers regardless of immigration status. How long does it take? DLSE conferences typically occur within 30-60 days of filing.

The single most important thing you can do today is start documenting. Gather pay stubs, note your hours, and calculate what you should have been paid. That documentation is the foundation of every claim.

The California Wage Theft Recovery System gives workers the exact tools and templates to document violations, calculate what they’re owed, and file the right claims — without paying an attorney to get started. Request your free evaluation here.