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Form WH-56: Complaint Form — Wage and Hour Division
Wage and Hour Division complaint form for workers to report violations of federal wage laws, including minimum wage, overtime, FMLA, and other wage and hour violations.
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DOL Form WH-56 - Complaint Form — Wage and Hour Division
Wage and Hour Division complaint form for workers to report violations of federal wage laws, including minimum wage, overtime, FMLA, and other wage and hour violations.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Waiting too long — the 2-year statute of limitations begins running from each pay period violation.
- 2Not keeping records — maintaining your own records of hours worked and wages received strengthens your complaint.
- 3Fear of retaliation — federal law prohibits retaliation against workers who file wage complaints.
Plain English
Use this form to report your employer if they are not paying you correctly — such as not paying minimum wage, not paying overtime, or violating FMLA.
Submission Date
- Filing date: File as soon as possible. Most FLSA violations have a 2-year statute of limitations (3 years for willful violations).
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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Field map
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Complainant
3 items
Your full name (can be kept confidential by WHD).
Your mailing address.
Phone number for WHD to contact you.
Employer
2 items
The company or individual you are filing a complaint against.
Employer's address.
Violation
3 items
Minimum wage, overtime, FMLA, child labor, or other violation.
Describe what happened, when it started, and any relevant details.
Your estimate of unpaid wages (if applicable).
Signature
1 items
Sign the complaint form.
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Questions about DOL Form WH-56
What is DOL Form WH-56 used for?
Use this form to report your employer if they are not paying you correctly — such as not paying minimum wage, not paying overtime, or violating FMLA.
Who must file DOL Form WH-56?
Workers (or persons filing on a worker's behalf) who believe their employer has violated federal wage and hour laws.
What information does DOL Form WH-56 require?
An official complaint to DOL's Wage and Hour Division requesting an investigation into possible wage law violations.
When is DOL Form WH-56 due?
File as soon as possible. Most FLSA violations have a 2-year statute of limitations (3 years for willful violations).
Where do I file DOL Form WH-56?
Submit to your local Wage and Hour Division office, online at dol.gov, or by phone at 1-866-487-9243.
How do I complete DOL Form WH-56?
Provide as much detail as possible about your employer, the work performed, hours worked, and wages paid. Complaints can be confidential.
What happens if DOL Form WH-56 is filed incorrectly?
The Wage and Hour Division investigates violations and can recover back wages, liquidated damages, and civil monetary penalties on behalf of workers.
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