Unemployment Benefits in Tennessee
State-specific overview · Employment Law
Tennessee requires claimants to have earned at least $2,600 in covered wages during the base period.
How Tennessee treats Unemployment Benefits
Tennessee uses a base period consisting of the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before filing a claim. Claimants must meet the $2,600 minimum wage requirement and have worked for a covered employer. The state's maximum weekly benefit amount is set annually and generally ranges from $275 to $320 depending on the year. Tennessee provides benefits for up to 26 weeks during normal economic conditions.
The general definition of Unemployment Benefits
Temporary income payments to workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.
Unemployment benefits are payments provided by the government to workers who have lost their jobs involuntarily and meet certain eligibility requirements. These benefits are funded by taxes that employers pay into a state unemployment insurance fund. To qualify, a worker typically must have been employed for a minimum period, have lost the job without quitting, and not have been fired for misconduct. Benefits are usually a percentage of the worker's prior wages and last for a limited time, often 26 weeks. Workers must actively search for new employment to continue receiving benefits.
Read the full Unemployment Benefits entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.