Dhurmus has a good point. Both working and employing without proper authorization documents can land both parties in trouble. In your case, the mere threat of taking the legal action should work. You should try telling them that you have prepared to file for the small claims court and just want to see if they are willing to settle before you do that. No need to hire a lawyer. Just go with small claims court. What kind of evidence do you have that you have worked the hours you are claiming but did not get paid for? They can simply say that they paid in cash for everything. You may fax them a letter asking for a payment of whatever is owed. If they respond with the indication that they do owe you that money, that could be your evidence. If they don't respond after numerous attempts, then that could be your evidence too. Since you worked for cash, I don't see how you can prove that you did not get paid for the hours. Just playing a bit of a devil's adovcate here.