23-356. Wage claims

A. Instead of proceeding under section 23-355, an employee may file a written claim with the department for unpaid wages against an employer if the amount of such wages does not exceed two thousand five hundred dollars and if such claim is filed within one year of the accrual of such claim.

B. The department may, on behalf of an employee, or the employee may obtain judgment and execution, garnishment, attachment or other available remedies for collection of unpaid wages established by final determination by the department.

C. The department may receive payment on wage claims on behalf of employees. The department may deposit, pursuant to sections 35-146 and 35-147, monies it receives as payment on wage claims in a special state fund for disbursement to wage claimants on proper authorization by the department.

23-357. Investigation of wage claims

A. The department shall investigate wage claims timely filed under section 23-356 to determine if wages are due or if a dispute exists between the parties to the claim.

B. Upon completion of its investigation, the department shall notify the parties to the claim of its findings in writing, which may include a finding that a dispute exists which cannot be resolved by the department's investigation. If it is determined that the claim for unpaid wages is valid, the department shall direct that the unpaid wages be paid by the party responsible for their payment.