Reconstruct the pay period in Michigan
Start with a week-by-week record of hours actually worked, pay received, rate, overtime line, deductions, bonuses, commissions, tips, and unpaid tasks. Keep a separate note for state-specific items such as breaks, final pay, wage statements, or expense reimbursement; those rules are not uniform across states.
Compare independent records
| Record | What it can show |
|---|---|
| Paystub and payroll portal | Rate, hours, overtime, deductions, and pay period |
| Schedule and time system | Recorded time and edits |
| Messages, logins, location, or job tickets | Work performed outside recorded hours |
| Job description and actual duties | Questions about exempt status or contractor classification |
| Policy or compensation plan | Commission, bonus, PTO, deduction, and final-pay terms |
Choose the right wage route for Michigan
Federal FLSA coverage and a Michigan wage claim are not interchangeable. Employer size, work performed, amount claimed, worker classification, remedy, and time period may affect the route. Ask the MI labor office and the U.S. Department of Labor which process covers the problem before assuming one filing protects the other.
Prepare a calculation that can be checked
- List every disputed workweek and the hours you believe are missing.
- Show the rate used and explain any overtime, tip, commission, or deduction issue.
- Attach the source for each number and preserve the original file.
- Separate amounts you can calculate from amounts that require payroll data.
- Do not include private customer data or records you are not permitted to keep.
Official sources and governing guidance
Open the source that matches the issue and confirm coverage, jurisdiction, current instructions, and any deadline directly.