Tennessee Unemployment Benefits

The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development administers the unemployment compensation program in the state.

The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development administers the state's unemployment compensation program. Tennessee employers fund the program through payroll taxes on the employees working in the organization. Employees do not pay to fund the unemployment program in the state. The benefits help unemployed workers pay for living expenses while seeking new employment.

Eligibility

The state of Tennessee requires claimants for unemployment compensation to meet eligibility requirements to receive benefits. The state requires claimants to be unemployed through no fault of their own. Claimants must not have quit a job without good cause or been fired for misconduct. Some claimants who quit employment may be eligible for unemployment benefits if they prove there was good cause such as caring for a disabled parent, child or spouse. The state requires claimants to have earned wages during the base period, which is the first four of the last five quarters in Tennessee. Recipients of unemployment compensation must be able and available for work and actively seeking new employment while receiving benefits.

Benefit Amount

The state of Tennessee calculates benefit amount using the highest paying quarters during the base period. The maximum weekly benefit amount in Tennessee is $275, according to the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Claimants may also receive $15 for each dependent, but the amount may not exceed $50 per week. Workers may collect unemployment benefits for 26 weeks, but during times of high unemployment, the state may extend unemployment compensation for unemployed workers.

Filing for Benefits

Claimants must supply the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development with a name, address, Social Security number, telephone number and information regarding previous employment. The applicant may file a claim for benefits online or by telephone in the state of Tennessee. During an initial claim for unemployment compensation, the applicant must supply the unemployment office with the reason for unemployment and employer information for the last 18 months.

Work Search

Recipients of unemployment compensation must be available and actively seeking new employment while collecting benefits. The claimant must answer questions regarding the job search and availability for work during the claim week. The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development offers assistance to unemployment benefit recipients to find new employment. Those who refuse work while collecting unemployment may become ineligible for benefits.

References

• Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development: Unemployment Benefits-Claimant Services
• Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development: Automated Partial Claims System
• Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development Division of Employment Security: Guide for Receiving UI Benefits