Definition: Back pay is the difference between what an employee was paid and the amount he or she should have been paid. An employee is entitled to back pay if the employer didn't pay the correct hourly rate or salary, or if they weren't paid in full for hours work or for overtime.
There is usually a two-year statute of limitations on the recovery of back pay. In the case of willful violations, a three-year statute of limitations applies.
For more information visit the Department of Labor web site:
Back Pay
