How to Apply for Unemployment in Tennessee
Lost your job during the COVID-19 outbreak? Here's what you need to know about filing for unemployment benefits in Tennessee.
Millions of Americans have already lost their jobs because of the COVID-19 crisis, and with many businesses being forced to shut down, employers are struggling to keep handing out paychecks. If your income has taken a dive, or has gone away completely, you may be entitled to unemployment benefits. Here's what you need to know about applying in Tennessee.
Do I qualify for unemployment benefits?
You can file for unemployment benefits in Tennessee if you:
- Lost your job through no fault of your own and were not fired for cause; or
- Are laid off temporarily because your employer has been forced to close
In addition, you must have made enough in qualifying wages to file a claim. You'll need to have earned at least $780.01 in two separate quarters during the base period for your claim. If you're filing a claim in March 2020, your base period is October 2018 through September 2019. If you’re filing in April, the period would be January through December 2019.
Our Picks for the Best High-Yield Savings Accounts of 2024
Capital One 360 Performance Savings
APY
4.25%
Rate info
See Capital One website for most up-to-date rates. Advertised Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is variable and accurate as of April 11, 2024. Rates are subject to change at any time before or after account opening.
Min. to earn
$0
|
APY
4.25%
Rate info
See Capital One website for most up-to-date rates. Advertised Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is variable and accurate as of April 11, 2024. Rates are subject to change at any time before or after account opening.
|
Min. to earn
$0
|
American Express® High Yield Savings
APY
4.25%
Rate info
4.25% annual percentage yield as of July 5, 2024
Min. to earn
$1
|
APY
4.25%
Rate info
4.25% annual percentage yield as of July 5, 2024
|
Min. to earn
$1
|
Citizens Access® Savings
APY
4.50%
Min. to earn
$0.01
|
APY
4.50%
|
Min. to earn
$0.01
|
How do I apply for unemployment benefits?
You can file for unemployment benefits online through Tennessee's Department of Labor and Workforce Development. You'll need to provide some personal information, including your:
- Social Security number
- Driver's license number
- Address, phone number, and email address
- Form DD-214 if you served in the U.S. military over the past 18 months
- Bank account details if you wish to sign up for direct deposit; otherwise your benefits will be available to you in debit card form
You'll also need to provide information about your recent employment history, including:
- The employers you worked for over the past 18 months
- The last day you worked
- The reason you separated from your last employer
How much money will I receive in unemployment benefits?
Your weekly unemployment benefit is calculated by taking your average wages from the two highest quarters during your base period and plugging that number into a special benefits table. The minimum weekly benefit you can collect is $30, and the maximum you can collect is $275.
How long can I collect unemployment benefits?
You can collect unemployment benefits in Tennessee for up to 26 weeks. However, the CARES Act extends that period by 13 weeks, allowing you to collect unemployment benefits for up to 39 weeks.
What if my unemployment claim is denied?
If you're denied unemployment benefits, you can file an appeal online. You must do so within 15 calendar days of the date your denial decision is mailed to you.
Don't wait to file for benefits
If you've lost your job, you'll need money to pay your bills, and although you can tap your emergency fund at a time like this, you may not have enough cash in savings to cover all of your pressing expenses. The sooner you submit your claim for unemployment benefits, the sooner that money might hit your account, thereby sparing you some financial stress during an otherwise trying time.
These savings accounts are FDIC insured and could earn you 11x your bank
Many people are missing out on guaranteed returns as their money languishes in a big bank savings account earning next to no interest. Our picks of the best online savings accounts could earn you 11x the national average savings account rate. Click here to uncover the best-in-class accounts that landed a spot on our short list of the best savings accounts for 2024.
Our Research Expert
We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent, a Motley Fool service, does not cover all offers on the market. The Ascent has a dedicated team of editors and analysts focused on personal finance, and they follow the same set of publishing standards and editorial integrity while maintaining professional separation from the analysts and editors on other Motley Fool brands.
Related Articles
View All Articles