employment practices; wage claims

Higher wage claim limit for workers

Arizona workers can file written unpaid-wage claims with the state department for up to $12,000, up from $5,000. Claims must be filed within one year after the wages become owed. After a final department decision, the department can collect wages or authorize workers to seek court judgments and enforcement. Enforcement options include garnishing money or seizing property. The department can receive wage payments and deposit them into a special state fund for authorized payments to workers.