I was terminated and I was not paid wages for my last day of employment. The office administrator stated on one occasion that compensation was included in a check referenced only as "vacation pay." On another occasion she states that she let me go early on the day of termination. I was able to prove that the check for vacation pay was for my accrued vacation only. I was also able to prove that I had not left the office until after the end of the workday. After numerous demands for compensation and for waiting time penalties pursuant to Labor Codes 201 and 203, I was finally compensated (31 days after the date it was due). I advised my employer of my intent to file my claim for waiting time penalties and provided them the opportunity to advise me in writing if they disagreed with my position. After not receiving any response, I filed a claim for waiting time penalties with a cover letter setting forth the facts and also provided documentation to support my claim. At our conference with the Deputy Labor Commissioner I felt uncomfortable because gestures were made indicating that the commissioner and the office administrator somehow knew each other. In any case the conference started by the commissioner asking what happened. The office administrator started talking about my work history and making untrue statements which were irrelevant to my claim. When she finally got to the point about the unpaid wages, she now states that she did not have my timecard for the last day even though I had already advised her that I was told by the receptionist the timecard was submitted after I left the office. And then she proceeded to say that after she spoke to me in the morning she knew I was upset and thereafter she could not find me anywhere in the office. I advised that I was sitting in an empty office doing my work because I did not want to be interrupted and that the lead secretary/supervisor was well aware of this including the attorney with whom I worked, in fact the staff in our department all knew where I was. However, the commissioner kept trying to come up with proof of compensation. I was asked if anyone could vouch for my departure time. I had already provided her with the facts and documentation. I was then asked if I would settle for less than what I was requesting or I would have to wait for a hearing to be set 60-90 days. I felt pressured because I needed the money because I am still unemployed. (1) When does the waiting time penalty start to accrue? At time I requested my wages or the date they were due? (2) Is there anything I can do to get the original amount requested if I am entitled without having to wait 80-110 days for a hearing (they have 20 days to pay settlement amount)?