The Texas Payday Law states that employers must pay employees in full and on time on regularly scheduled paydays. The law defines wages as "compensation owed by an employer" for

1. labor or services rendered by an employee, whether computed on a time, task, piece, commission, or other basis; and
2. vacation, holiday, sick leave, parental leave, or severance owed to an employee under a written agreement with the employer, or under a written policy of the employer.

The basic wage agreement can be either verbal or written, or both, and is enforceable on both. Fringe benefits must be in writing to be enforceable.

How to File a Wage Claim
An employee who believes they have not been paid all wages earned may submit a wage claim with TWC no later than 180 days after the date the claimed wages originally became due for payment. If part of your unpaid wages were due within 180 days, submit a claim only for that part.

Online: File a Texas Payday Law Wage Claim using TWC's online system

• The online form does not allow attachments. Please mail or fax paychecks, pay stubs or other supporting documents and include the fax cover letter automatically created by the online application after the claim is submitted.

Paper: File a Texas Payday Law Wage Claim using TWC's paper form

For more information about wage claims and how to file, click here or call 1-800-628-5115. You may also visit your local Workforce Solutions office for in-person assistance.

The United Way provides information about community resources in the 13 county Gulf Coast region. Whether you need help finding child care, food stamps, care for an aging parent or a haven from domestic violence, 2-1-1 is the number to call. Trained HELPLINE specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPLINE

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