A wage claim is an administrative complaint you can make against your employer with your state department of labor. Most states have created a process for employees to file a wage claim with a government agency, so they can get their claims adjudicated and get the money they are owed, in less time and for less money than it would cost to file a lawsuit.
Not every state has a wage claim procedure, however.
Check the website of the Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division to learn more.