Worker files a claim with the DLSE's Wage Claim Adjudication unit, detailing how much they believe they are owed in unpaid wages.

The Labor Commissioner's Office holds a settlement conference with the worker and the employer. By law this must take place within 30 days.

If the claim is not settled, the case is scheduled for a hearing, which must take place within 120 days of the claim. A deputy labor commissioner presides and workers and employers can both bring documents and witnesses to testify.

The commissioner makes a decision. The employer can appeal the decision to court.

If the employer doesn't appeal but does not pay the assessed wages, the decision is forwarded to the courts as a judgment. The Division can enforce the judgment or the worker can attempt to collect it by themselves.