An incorrect paycheck can reflect missing hours, a disputed commission, a deduction, or a benefit the employer says was never promised. Those are different questions. Before choosing a complaint route, a Grand Rapids worker can make the issue much clearer by comparing the written pay arrangement with the hours worked and the money actually received.

Identify exactly what is missing

Create a table for each affected pay period showing the work dates, expected gross pay, actual gross pay, deductions, and amount paid. Keep wages separate from expense reimbursement, commissions, bonuses, and unused leave. A bank deposit shows net payment but may not explain the calculation. Save pay statements and the written agreement or policy that describes the disputed compensation, including the version in effect at the time.

Preserve records you may lawfully keep

Useful records may include your schedules, time entries, messages about shifts, offer letter, and pay-change notices. If the employer’s time record differs from your own, describe the difference with dates and specific examples. Preserve what you already lawfully possess; do not access another person’s account or take confidential customer files. Keep an independent copy of your chronology in case a work account becomes unavailable.

Choose the complaint category carefully

Michigan’s Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity administers the Wage and Hour Division. Its procedures distinguish nonpayment of wages or fringe benefits from minimum wage and overtime issues. Federal law may also be relevant. Coverage, exemptions, the type of pay, and your working relationship can affect the route. A label such as contractor or salaried employee is not a complete legal analysis by itself.

Check the filing period before waiting for another payday

Michigan’s published instructions state that a complaint for nonpayment of wages or fringe benefits must be filed within 12 months of the alleged violation. Other types of claims can have different periods and rules. Do not assume that repeated internal requests pause a deadline. If several pay periods are involved, list them separately and ask which procedure applies before the oldest issue becomes harder to pursue.

Keep the requested outcome and later events clear

State the amount you believe remains unpaid and explain the calculation. Preserve an employer’s response and any later payment without quietly deleting the original discrepancy. If you have already filed a lawsuit or another complaint about the same wages, disclose that when seeking guidance; parallel proceedings can affect available routes. Document any threatened or actual retaliation and obtain advice about that separate concern.

Before you take the next step

Your preparation checklist

  • Compare expected and actual pay period by period.
  • Save the applicable compensation agreement and benefit policy.
  • Identify the complaint category and its current deadline.
  • Record later payments, employer responses, and other proceedings.

Reference points: Michigan LEO Wage and Hour Division, Filing a Complaint for Non-payment of Wages or Fringe Benefits, and wage complaint instructions. Employment status, coverage, and available remedies require individual assessment.