When your employer must hand over your last paycheck if you are fired or quit, and whether unused vacation must be paid out.
Single detailed source
Deadline if you are fired or laid off
Within 6 calendar days
Deadline if you quit
Next regular payday
Unused vacation pay
Only if a written policy owes it
Law
Tex. Lab. Code 61.014
If your employer misses the deadline, you can file a wage claim with your state labor department; many states add penalties. Federal law has no final-pay deadline.
General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply. Confirm with the state agency, the court or a licensed professional in Texas.
How Texas compares
Texas is the only state with this answer (Within 6 calendar days).
Deadlines come from a statute-cited 50-state final pay survey updated in 2026. States with no final-pay statute are shown as having no deadline. Last checked: November 12, 2026. Laws change; confirm with the state agency or a licensed professional before acting.
Cross-checked sources agree Checked on official source confirmed on a government, court or legislature site Single detailed source one detailed table built from statutes or official data Under review sources disagree; read the note and the law.