Minimum wage, unpaid wages, unemployment, injuries and job scams
By J&H Digital Services LLCChecked Oct 23, 202610 sources
Idaho follows the federal $7.25 minimum wage and is an at-will state. If an employer owes you wages, file a free wage claim online with the Idaho Department of Labor. For unemployment, apply online the week your job ends. Report job scams to the Idaho Attorney General and the FTC.
$7.25 an hour, the same as the federal minimum. Tipped workers can be paid $3.35 an hour in cash if tips bring them up to $7.25. New workers under 20 can be paid $4.25 for their first 90 days. Cities in Idaho cannot set a higher minimum.
Under federal law, most hourly workers get time and a half for hours over 40 in a workweek. Each week stands alone, so hours cannot be averaged. Some salaried and other jobs are exempt.
No. Idaho law does not require rest or meal breaks for adults. You get them only if your employer's policy offers them.
At least once a month on a regular payday set in advance. When you leave a job, your final pay is due by the next regular payday or within 10 days (not counting weekends and holidays), whichever is sooner. If you ask in writing, it is due within 48 hours.
You or your employer can end the job at any time, with or without a reason or notice. It is still illegal to fire someone for discrimination, for retaliation after asserting wage rights, or for reasons that violate public policy. A written contract can change the rules.
Your , the employer's business name, full address and phone, your start and end dates, the pay periods you were not paid, and records of hours. A pay stub helps.
The Idaho Department of Labor's wage claim takes about 30 minutes. Stay until you reach the confirmation page or it will not be saved.
Filing with the department is generally your only remedy for that claim, so you give up the right to sue separately. Claims are capped at the small claims limit, which rose from $5,000 to $15,000 on July 1, 2026. For larger amounts, talk to a lawyer. The Idaho State Bar referral line is (208) 334-4500.
Call Wage and Hour at (208) 332-3579, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain time, or (800) 843-3193.
File online through the Idaho Department of Labor claimant portal after verifying your identity with ID.me. Phone claims are not accepted. Apply in the week your job ends or your hours drop, then file a weekly certification starting that Sunday. The first eligible week is an unpaid waiting week. Benefits run 10 to 20 weeks and are taxable.
Workers who lost work through no fault of their own and are able, available and looking for full-time work. You must have earned at least $1,872 in one quarter of your base period, with total earnings in the other quarters at least 1.25 times your highest quarter. Independent contractors and self-employed people are not covered.
Report the injury to your employer right away. You could lose all benefits if you wait more than 60 days. Workers' comp pays reasonable and necessary medical care and, if you miss more than five days or are admitted to a hospital, time-loss benefits. Questions go to the Idaho Industrial Commission at (208) 334-6000 or (800) 950-2110.
The Idaho Human Rights Commission, 317 W. Main St., 2nd floor, Boise. Call (208) 334-2873 or (888) 249-7025.
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