We hope, and work together with you and other service groups so that you do not have to face unemployment which affects your ability to support yourself, family, pay bills and repay victims and Court fines and fees.  If you do face unemployment, please first refer to our website under Job Preparation and Search for the ideas and tools needed to quickly get back into the workforce.   If there becomes a gap in your employment affecting your ability to support yourself and your family, then consider the information below on unemployment benefits in Tennessee.

What is Unemployment Insurance (UI)?

Unemployment Insurance (UI) is an employer-paid program that pays benefits to qualified workers unemployed through no fault of their own. The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development pays temporary financial help based on workers' previous earnings, while they are looking for other work. Employer taxes and reimbursements support the Unemployment Trust Fund. Employers cannot deduct any money from employees' paychecks to pay for this program.  You can find information about unemployment benefits in Tennessee, including eligibility requirements, benefit extensions and deadlines and appeal procedures, or you can apply for benefits, request payments, view claim and payment status and more.  Apply for UI benefits anytime online.

How Do I Apply for UI Benefits?

Apply for UI benefits anytime at tn.gov.

How Do I Qualify?

The Act sets qualifying requirements in three main areas: your past wages, your last job separation, and ongoing availability and work search. You must meet all of the requirements in the three areas to receive benefits.