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California Employment Law Glossary

DLSE Wage Claim
Legal Process & Claims

 

Definition


 

The Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) - commonly referred to as the Labor Commissioner's Office - provides California employees with an administrative process to recover unpaid wages, penalties, and interest without necessarily hiring an attorney. Employees file a wage claim form with the local DLSE office, which investigates and holds a settlement conference or hearing. The DLSE can issue an Order, Decision, or Award requiring the employer to pay, which can then be enforced as a court judgment.


Frequently Asked Questions

You file a wage claim form with your local DLSE office, after which the agency investigates and schedules a settlement conference or hearing to resolve the dispute.

After filing, the DLSE typically schedules a settlement conference, and if unresolved, a hearing. Timelines vary by office, and an attorney can help you decide whether the DLSE process or a civil lawsuit better fits your situation.

Think this applies to you?

The DLSE can order your employer to pay what they owe. Talk to our attorneys for a free case review about the strongest path forward for your specific claim.
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This glossary is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship with Lawyers for Employee and Consumer Rights. Laws change - for advice specific to your situation, contact our office for a free case review.