How to File an Unemployment Claim in Tennessee

So, you've been laid off, down sized, or otherwise unemployed. Here are the phone numbers, web sites and other info you will need to file for unemployment in Tennessee. Facing unemployment is never a happy prospect, but with the right tools, filing an unemployment claim in Tennessee need not be overwhelming. These steps will walk you through the process of filing for unemployment in Tennessee.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer
• Telephone
• Transportation
• Separation Notice
• Photo ID
• Social Security Card and Birth Certificate or Passport

1. 
    
   TN State Seal

   Wait a Day or Two - Wait a couple of days after you are officially unemployed to file for unemployment in Tennessee, but file by the end of the first week.

2. File Your Unemployment Claim - there are four ways to file for unemployment in Tennessee currently:

3. 
    
   TN Dept. of Labor

   File by Internet - The fastest way to file for unemployment in Tennessee and the way the experts recommend you file is to use the computer and file on the internet. Under eHow terms of service, I cannot provide the website, but try Googling Tennessee government.

4. 
    
   Unemployment resources

   File by Telephone - Because of the high call volume at the unemployment call centers, it is NOT recommended you use the telephone. This is most likely what you will get: "Thank you for calling the Tennessee unemployment claims filing center. We're sorry, we are unable to take your call at the present time time due to extremely high call volume. Please be advised that you may file your claim using the internet..." Under eHow terms of service, I cannot provide the phone number.

5. File by Paper Claim - This method is extremely slow as you first have to wait for the forms to get to you, and then you have to wait for your paperwork to make its way to the unemployment office via snail mail.

6. 
    
   Nashville

   File by Mass Claim - Because of the high volume of people applying for unemployment in Tennessee right now, you may have seen on television where they are doing temporary mass claim-taking sessions. You would have to check with your local unemployment office to find out if the office near you is doing this. At the office at Metro Center in Nashville, Tennessee, they are apparently doing two sessions on Mondays and Thursdays at 8:30 AM and 1:00 PM, and one session on Fridays at 8:30 AM.

7. Get Your First Check - It takes about 2 1/2 weeks to get your first check after you file for unemployment in Tennessee. Your fourth unemployment check will be double the normal amount to make up for the first week of unemployment before you filed.

8. File Weekly Certification - You must check in weekly by phone or online for certification to receive the next unemployment check. Again, because call centers stay so busy, the Internet is recommended for your weekly certification. For more information read the article "How to Fill Out Weekly Unemployment Certification Online in Tennessee" in the Resources below.

9. Prepare to Be Taxed. Your Tennessee unemployment income is taxable at 10%. You may choose to have this amount deducted from each unemployment check or pay it at the end of the year in a lump sum.

10. 
     
    Tennessee Career Centers

    Register with Tennessee Job Services - You MUST register for Tennessee Job Services in person at your local career center and fill out an application (one page, front and back) within the first 30 days of filing for unemployment. If you go in for one of the mass claim filing sessions, you can more than likely register for Job Services at 8:00 AM, before the 8:30 claim session begins. You will need your driver's license and your social security card or a passport.

Tips & Warnings

• Tennessee Career Centers - Your local Tennessee Career Center may have a career coach who can provide you with information about free job training which may be available to you. They offer courses and training at the local career centers which are located across the state.
• Nashville Career Advancement Center - The Nashville Career Advancement Center is located at 621 Mainstream Drive in Suite 210 in Nashville, Tennessee, and provides career services including workshops and training.
• There is also a Special Services Unit for Nashvillians who cannot get through to the main unemployment line.
• The Tennessee Career Center is located at 2200 Rosa L. Parks Blvd in Nashville's Metro Center.
• If you are unemployed, you might qualify for food stamps or free or low-cost health coverage. See "How to Apply for Food Stamps in Tennessee" and "How to Find Free Health Care or Low-Cost Health Coverage in Tennessee" in the Resources below.
• Do not wait too long to file for unemployment or with Tennessee Job Services
• In January of 2009, the Department of Labor reported that more than 84,000 unemployment claims were filed last month in Tennessee which is 115% more claims filed than in 2008.
• In February 2009 it was reported the state's unemployment fund could run out.
• © 2009 Kathryn E. Darden.

Resources

• Unemployment Tips for Tennessee
• Handling a Layoff - Survival of the Fittest
• Unemployment Claims Up 115 Percent
• How to Be Bad Boss and a Poor Manager
• Surviving Job Loss: Unemployment, Layoffs, and Firings
• Unemployment Resources in Tennessee
• How to Fill Out Weekly Unemployment Certification Online in Tennessee
• How to Find Free Health Care or Low-Cost Health Coverage in Tennessee
• How to Apply for Foos Stamps in Tennessee
• Unemployed - a Poem

[JeannieKerns]

on 5/13/2009 Great article :-)

[annvans]

on 5/12/2009 Great article on how to file for unemployment in TN.

[maryanne09]

on 4/10/2009 Great article on How to File an Unemployment Claim in Tennessee! 5*'s :o)

[mikimoco]

on 4/9/2009 Good job. Watch your spelling/typos. Keep up the good work.Michael

[jenng]

on 4/9/2009 Great tips on how to file unemployment in tennessee 5*