Leaving a job in TX, GA, AL, TN or AZ: final paycheck deadlines, unemployment benefits and unpaid wage claims

Based on state statutes and state and federal agency pages (checked 2026-10-23). This is general information, not legal advice — for your situation, ask the agency named below or a lawyer.

A job ending — layoff, firing or your own two weeks' notice — is stressful enough. Three things decide how much money you get next: when your final paycheck is due, whether you can get unemployment benefits, and where to file if you are not paid. Our 5 hub states differ a lot.

At a glance: 5 states

1. Final paycheck deadlines

• Texas — Discharged: paid in full not later than the sixth day after discharge. Quit (any reason other than discharge): not later than the next regularly scheduled payday (Labor Code §61.014).
• Georgia — We couldn't find a Georgia statute that sets a final-pay deadline. The Georgia Department of Labor's FAQ on an unpaid last week points to the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (minimum wage and overtime for all hours worked) and to small claims court.
• Alabama — The state labor agency says "Alabama does not have any state laws governing wage and hour issues", so federal rules apply. Federal law does not require an immediate final check; if the regular payday passes without pay, contact the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (WHD).
• Tennessee — Whether you quit or are let go: by the next regular payday or 21 days after separation, whichever comes later (Tenn. Code Ann. §50-2-103(g)). An employer can hold a check over an unreturned uniform only if you signed a written policy or agreement.
• Arizona — Discharged: within 7 working days or by the end of the next regular pay period, whichever is sooner. Quit: no later than the regular payday for that pay period, and by mail if you ask (A.R.S. §23-353).

Tip: before your last day, confirm in writing the final pay date, how many hours are included and how it will be paid (direct deposit or mail). Keep your own hours log and pay stubs.

2. Unemployment benefits

Every state's program is for people who lost a job through no fault of their own and who are able to work, available for work and actively looking, with enough recent wages. Quitting without a good work-related reason or being fired for misconduct can disqualify you, but the state decides — so if you're unsure, apply and let the agency rule.

When to apply: right after your last day. Alabama says "You should file immediately", and in Georgia and Alabama the claim starts the Sunday before you file — so waiting can cost you weeks.

Work authorization: you don't have to be a citizen, but you must be authorized to work. Federal law (26 U.S.C. §3304(a)(14)) lets states pay benefits on work by a non-citizen only if the person was a permanent resident, lawfully present to do that work, or permanently residing under color of law; Texas and Arizona law say the same. Texas says claimants must be able to meet the same I-9 rules as any job seeker; Georgia asks non-citizens for unexpired employment authorization documents every time they file; Alabama asks for a work authorization number.

OPT and other visas: we couldn't find an official state page that addresses OPT specifically. Ask the state agency, and talk to your school's DSO before filing — time without a job can matter for your status.

3. If you weren't paid: where to file

• Texas — File a wage claim with TWC within 180 days after the wages were due. The deadline is jurisdictional — miss it and TWC can't hear the claim. You can file in person, by mail, by fax or online (Labor Code §61.051).
• Georgia — We couldn't find a state wage-claim program. GDOL points to the U.S. DOL Wage and Hour Division (minimum wage and overtime — "enforcement may be slow") or a claim in Magistrate Court in the county where the employer is located; the filing fee can be recovered if you win. Magistrate Court handles cases of $15,000 or less.
• Alabama — No state wage-and-hour law, so file with the Wage and Hour Division (Montgomery 334-223-7450, Birmingham 205-536-8570, Mobile 251-441-5311) or in Small Claims (District Court), which hears claims up to $6,000.
• Tennessee — The TN Department of Labor's Labor Standards unit takes wage claims ("How to Begin a Wage Claim" on tn.gov). Final pay isn't late until the later of the next payday or 21 days, so count from there. The filing deadline was not confirmed.
• Arizona — File a written unpaid wage claim with the Industrial Commission of Arizona Labor Department within one year, for wages up to $12,000 (A.R.S. §23-356). Larger amounts go to WHD or court.
• Anywhere — The U.S. DOL Wage and Hour Division (1-866-487-9243) handles federal minimum wage and overtime complaints in every state.

Keep everything: schedules, texts, pay stubs, your own hours log, and a written request for the exact amount.

Related

• Overtime and minimum wage for hourly jobs
• Salary data
• Local shop jobs
• Living in the U.S.

Laws, benefit amounts and agency procedures change, and this is not legal advice — confirm with the state agency named above. Checked 2026-10-23.

Cite this article as: JOBnaru™ — https://jobnaru.com/en/news/final-paycheck-unemployment-wage-claims-by-state