Tennessee Unemployment Calculator
Estimate your Tennessee weekly unemployment benefit. Tennessee's maximum is $325/week for up to 26 weeks. Results are estimates — Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development makes the official determination.
Estimate My Weekly Benefit
This is an estimate only. Your actual benefit depends on your specific base period wages, employer records, and Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development's determination. File your claim to get the official amount.
File your Tennessee claim at Jobs4TN →Tennessee unemployment benefits: what you need to know
Tennessee's maximum weekly benefit at $325 is among the lowest in the Southeast and below national averages. The Jobs4TN portal integrates job-search registration requirements. Automotive and logistics industry layoffs are a significant source of claims in the Nashville and Memphis corridors.
Tennessee pays a maximum of $325/week and a minimum of $55/week. Your amount is set by your base-period earnings, capped at the state maximum.
Up to 26 weeks under standard conditions. At the maximum rate, that is about $8,450 total.
Tennessee has a one-week unpaid waiting period. File and certify for it anyway — payment begins the following eligible week.
3 contacts per week must be documented to stay eligible. Keep a dated log.
Tennessee Unemployment FAQ
How much unemployment can I get in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, the maximum weekly benefit is $325 and the minimum is $55. Your actual weekly benefit amount is based on your earnings during your base period (typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters). Use the estimator above to get an approximate figure, then confirm the exact amount with Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development after you file.
How long do unemployment benefits last in Tennessee?
Tennessee provides up to 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits under standard conditions. Duration in this state can vary with the statewide unemployment rate — verify the current maximum when you file. If you exhaust regular benefits, ask Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development whether any extended programs are currently active.
Is there a waiting week for unemployment in Tennessee?
Yes. Tennessee imposes a one-week unpaid waiting period. You still need to file and certify for that week, but it is not paid. Payments begin from the second eligible week.
How many job search contacts are required each week in Tennessee?
Tennessee requires 3 work search contacts per week to remain eligible while collecting benefits. Keep a dated log of each activity (employer name, date, method of contact) in case Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development audits your claim.
How do I file an unemployment claim in Tennessee?
File with Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development online at https://www.tn.gov/workforce/unemployment.html or by phone at (844) 224-5818. Have your Social Security number, employer information for the last 18 months, reason for separation, and bank details for direct deposit ready. File the same week you lose your job — most states pay from the week you file, not the week your job ended.