How to File for Unemployment in Tennessee

If you are a Tennessee worker who was recently laid off through no fault of your own, meaning you did not quit and were not fired, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. In fact, applying for unemployment compensation should be one of the first things you do after you are laid off. Read on for more information on how to file for unemployment in Tennessee.

US State Uses Stimulus Funds to Pay Workers

This Al Jazeera news report aired in September 2009 reviews the unemployment situation in Tennessee. Unemployed workers are interviewed, and the reporter tours a tent city. The vide also discusses the state's use of stimulus funds to pay worker's wages, reducing the need to pay unemployment benefits.

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Introduction
- If you are a Tennessee worker who has lost your job—or had your hours reduced—you may qualify to collect unemployment benefits. These weekly benefits can keep you from exhausting your savings to try and cover bills while you are out of work, allowing you to focus solely on the search for new employment. The Tennessee Department of Labor is the agency that oversees unemployment insurance. The agency recommends that you file for benefits as soon as possible after you become unemployed.
Step 1: Determine If You Qualify
- To collect unemployment in the state of Tennessee, you must:
1. Be unemployed through no fault of your own
2. Have qualifying wages in the base period
3. Be able to work when you file your claim
4. Be actively looking for employment
5. Take acceptable work that is offered to you
- In Tennessee, there is a one week waiting period during which no unemployment payment is made. If you qualify, you will eventually be compensated for that week.
Step 2: Gather Necessary Documents
- To file an unemployment claim in the state of Tennessee, you will need:
1. Your Social Security number
2. Driver's license number
3. Address and telephone number
4. Information about your former employer, including:
  1. Name
  2. Address
  3. Telephone number
  4. Fax number
  5. Last day worked
  6. Reason for job loss
5. Information on all employers during the past 18 months
Step 3: Apply for Benefits
- Most Tennessee residents can file for unemployment benefits:
1. Online
  1. Go to www.tennesseeanytime.org/labor/ to file a claim via the Internet
  2. You can file anytime Saturday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. local time
2. By telephone
  1. If you live in the Nashville area, call 1-615-253-0800
  2. If you are outside the Nashville area or out of state, call 1-877-813-0950
- If you live in the following counties, you must file in person at a Tennessee Career Center located in your area:
1. Fayette
2. Tipton
3. Lauderdale
4. Shelby
Conclusion
- Losing a job can be a traumatic experience—but unemployment benefits can help to alleviate some of the financial worry. If you have lost a job in Tennessee through no fault of your own, you should file for unemployment benefits as soon as possible.