Discovering you may not be getting paid what you've earned is infuriating — and it's more common than most people think. Pay records and a timeline do most of the work here, and strict deadlines mean sooner beats later.
Sometimes the right move is a person, not an app. Open a card to see what each one can actually do for you — and what to know before you go.
What they can actually do for you
Can tell you what your rights are worth in your state and situation, review anything you are asked to sign, and speak for you if it comes to that.
What to know before you go
Many offer free or low-cost first consultations, and talking to one commits you to nothing. Bring documents and a timeline — specifics make the conversation useful.
For this situation: Unpaid wages have strict deadlines, and many employment lawyers take wage claims on contingency — a consult is often free and does not commit you to anything.
What they can actually do for you
Can fix process problems — pay errors, benefits enrollment, policy questions — and is required to act on some kinds of reports, like harassment or discrimination. Can walk you through your formal options.
What to know before you go
HR also works for the company. What you disclose may be documented or shared, and some disclosures start a formal process you cannot undo. Know what is protected before you disclose.
For this situation: Payroll errors are sometimes just errors — HR can fix a mistake quickly once it's in writing.
What they can actually do for you
If a union contract covers you, your rep can sit with you in disciplinary meetings, file grievances, and tell you what the contract actually guarantees in your situation.
What to know before you go
This applies when you are covered by a collective bargaining agreement. If you are not sure whether you are, ask — representation rules differ by workplace.
For this situation: Pay and overtime terms in a contract can go beyond what the law requires.