Unpaid Wages Demand Letter in New York
A letter asking an employer to pay wages you are owed, before you file a wage claim with your state labor agency or the U.S. Department of Labor. Keep copies of pay stubs, schedules and messages.
What New York law says
| Final paycheck if fired or laid off | Final wages must be paid by the regular payday for the pay period worked, and mailed if the employee asks. |
|---|---|
| Final paycheck if you quit | Same rule: by the regular payday for the pay period worked. |
| Minimum wage | $17.00 per hour in New York City, Long Island and Westchester County; $16.00 per hour in the rest of the state. Some industries, such as home care, have different rates. The general minimum wage will stay the same on January 1, 2027, because an inflation 'off-ramp' condition was met. Home care aide minimum wage rises on January 1, 2027, to $20.00 (NYC, Long Island, Westchester) and $19.00 (rest of state). |
Fill it in
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[today's date]
To: [employer name], [employer address]
From: [your name], [your address]
I worked for you as [job title] from [start date] to [end date or present]. You have not paid me $[amount owed] for [the hours, overtime, final paycheck or tips owed], covering [dates owed].
Please pay this amount by [payment deadline] by [payment method].
If I do not receive payment, I plan to file a wage claim with [state labor agency] and pursue any other remedies the law allows.
[your name] [phone or email]
Unpaid Wages Demand Letter for other states · New York tenant rights
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.