If you are a worker in California and believe you’ve been denied rightful overtime pay, you
have the legal right to file a claim and seek compensation. California labor laws are
some of the strongest in the nation, offering significant protection for employees. Here’s
how to file a claim for unpaid overtime in California in 2025.
Step 1: Understand California Overtime Laws
Under California law, non-exempt employees must receive overtime pay at 1.5 times
their regular rate for hours worked over 8 in a day or 40 in a week. If you work more
than 12 hours in a day or more than 8 hours on the seventh consecutive day of work,
the rate increases to double time.
Step 2: Gather Documentation
Before filing a claim, collect all relevant documentation such as pay stubs, time sheets,
work schedules, and written communication with your employer. These documents help
prove the hours you worked and the wages you were paid.
Step 3: File a Claim with the Labor Commissioner
To file an unpaid overtime claim in California, submit a wage claim with the California
Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE). You can file online, by mail, or in
person at a local DLSE office. In 2025, the DLSE continues to offer an online portal to
streamline this process.
Step 4: Attend the Settlement Conference or Hearing
Once your claim is filed, the DLSE may schedule a settlement conference. If the issue
isn’t resolved, your case may go to a hearing.
Step 5: Consult a California Employment Lawyer
While not required, working with a California labor and employment attorney can
strengthen your case, especially if your employer contests the claim.
Filing a claim for unpaid overtime in California in 2025 protects not only your rights but
also helps ensure fair treatment in the workplace. If you need help, please contact Lavi
& Ebrahimian online or by calling 886-470-2189.