Austin Launches New Online Tool to Help Residents Discover Unclaimed Wages

Austin Flock to New Tool: Discover If You’re Owed Unclaimed Wages!

Hey there, Austinites! Have you ever found yourself wondering if you might have some cash sitting out there, just waiting to be claimed? Well, you’re in luck! The U.S. Department of Labor recently rolled out an incredible new online tool that can help you check if you’re one of the lucky Texans owed unclaimed wages. Yes, you heard that right!

Millions Up for Grabs

On December 3, it was announced that around 15,000 Texans are owed a whopping $11 million in unclaimed wages. That’s right, folks, it’s a mind-boggling sum of money just floating out there! And here in Austin, approximately 450 individuals still have funds waiting to be claimed. Rogelio A. Colón, a community outreach and resource planning specialist for the U.S. Department of Labor, shared this exciting news during a conversation with a local representative. Are you feeling your pockets tingle yet?

Meet the WOW Tool

The new tool, aptly named the Workers Owed Wages (WOW) online tool, makes it super easy to see if you might be owed some dough. This user-friendly program is available in both English and Spanish, so it’s accessible for everyone. The Department of Labor encourages you to submit your info before the end of the year, so don’t delay!

How It Works

You might be wondering how this works. Well, if a company fails to pay its employees properly, the Department of Labor gets involved. After an investigation, if they find out that back wages are due, they typically send a check to the worker’s last known address. Now here’s where it gets tricky: if the worker has moved and the Department of Labor can’t track them down, the cash gets returned to them to hold onto. However, if the funds aren’t claimed within three years, it gets funneled into the U.S. Treasury.

Juan J. Rodríguez, deputy regional director of the Department of Labor, stated, “We don’t want this money. Let’s be honest. This is a drop in the bucket for the Treasury Department. We would rather the workers get it because it’s their money.” Wise words indeed, Juan!

Money That’s Needed Most

All told, there’s a staggering $150 million in back wages waiting for approximately 145,000 workers across the nation. Back in Austin, around $550,000 remains unclaimed. Colón emphasizes the importance of this money, especially for those who may need it the most, such as people in the construction and food service industries who aren’t always in stable housing. “We really want to ensure that they hear about this and claim their money. They’ve earned it,” Colón added.

Time to Check

Ready to check if you’re one of the lucky few? Although the site’s instructional video shows you might “find extra money just when your family needs it,” keep in mind that it could take about six weeks to actually receive the payment. But hey, good things come to those who wait, right?

City News: Caps Coming Over I-35!

Switching gears a bit, let’s talk about another exciting piece of news coming out of Austin. The Austin City Council has just approved a $105 million federal grant designed to help create some fantastic land caps over I-35!

Constructing for the Future

On December 12, the council greenlit the loan for this project, which aims to build caps over I-35 between Cesar Chavez and Fourth streets. With additional projects planned near the University of Texas, the overarching goal is to enhance connectivity and use space above the interstate for parks, shops, and public spaces. Sounds delightful, doesn’t it?

Future Developments

Chairman of the UT System Board of Regents, Kevin Eltife, expressed his excitement, reiterating the importance of these future developments. They foresee it providing vital area for future buildings and medical facilities with the construction of the new MD Anderson Cancer Center and UT Austin Hospital set to kick-off in 2026.

More Building, More Benefits

As the city continues discussions about funding agreements and the caps’ construction, residents can look forward to the potential transformation of Austin. Plans include new parks, entertainment spots, and even bike paths right above the interstate. How cool is that?

So remember, whether it’s unclaimed wages or city planning that peaks your interest, there’s plenty happening right here in Austin. Keep your eyes peeled for more updates and opportunities to claim what’s rightfully yours!