Filing a Wage and Hour Claim – District of Columbia

1. Does Washington, DC have overtime laws that are different from federal law?

Washington, DC does not have overtime laws that are different from federal overtime law.

2. Does Washington, DC have a minimum wage that is different from federal law?

Washington, DC’s minimum wage is $17.50 per hour, which is higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. The minimum wage for tipped employees in Washington, D.C. is $12 per hour, and the maximum tip credit will be $4.10.

3. Does Washington, DC have meal and rest break requirements, unlike federal law?

Washington, DC does not have any rest break requirements that are different from federal law.

4. How do I file a wage/hour or labor standards claim in Washington, DC?

See the Washington DC website for information on how to file a claim. 

5. What are my time deadlines?

If you have a wage/hour claim, do not delay in contacting the Department of Employment Services to file a claim. There are strict time limits in which wage claims must be filed. In order for the agency to act on your behalf, you must file within three years from the date that the claim arose.

Do not wait to file your claim until your time limit is close to expiring. You may wish to consult with an attorney prior to filing your claim, if possible. Yet if you are unable to find an attorney who will assist you, it is not necessary to have an attorney to file your claim.

6. How can I or my attorney pursue a claim in court in Washington DC?

In Washington, DC, a private attorney can file a private lawsuit to recover past compensation plus attorney’s fees and reasonable costs.