Texas: I gave two weeks’ notice and was sent home — are those weeks paid?

Scenario

You give a definite resignation date two weeks ahead. Your manager closes your access immediately and says not to return. You expected pay through the date you proposed and now need to check notice pay, the last payday and unemployment eligibility.

What the law says

Usually those unworked weeks are not owed unless your contract or policy promises payment. Ordinary Texas at-will employment does not generally require two weeks’ resignation notice. Earned wages must still be paid. TWC guidance treats early acceptance of a definite notice of two weeks or less as resignation, so being sent home is not automatically a discharge. The actual sequence and any independent dismissal reason matter for final-pay timing and unemployment.

What you can claim

Claim unpaid work already performed at the agreed lawful rate, any notice pay specifically promised, and unused vacation or other benefits only if due under the written policy or agreement. For a promised remaining two-week payment, calculate the promised pay through the covered end date, minus paid or worked portions. Without that promise, the unworked notice balance is generally zero. State unemployment is a separate eligibility decision by TWC and is not guaranteed by immediate removal from work.

What the employee can do

1. Keep your notice, the manager’s response, contract and payment policies. Ask HR in writing for the actual separation date, whether it accepted resignation early, and the final-pay calculation.

2. Send payroll a list of earned wages and any policy-promised payment, with the clause supporting it. Apply promptly to the Texas Workforce Commission for unemployment if appropriate and provide the full notice-and-response sequence.

3. For voluntary resignation, final ordinary wages are due on the next regular payday; for an actual involuntary separation, within six calendar days. File a Texas Payday Law wage claim with TWC within 180 days after the wages were due, including the agreement, notice and wage calculation. Do not assume unpromised notice is earned wages.

Common misconception, corrected

Giving notice does not itself guarantee two more paid weeks. The courtesy practice, any contractual obligation, final-pay timing and unemployment classification are separate questions.

Matching guides

Read Check Texas wage-payment dates.

Read Prepare the unemployment separation record.