How Much Unemployment Pays in Tennessee
How Tennessee calculates weekly unemployment benefits, the current minimum and maximum, and how many weeks you can collect.
Short answer: Your weekly benefit amount comes from a benefit table based on the average of your wages in the two highest-paid quarters of your base period. Eligible claimants may receive up to $325 per week; Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Information on UI Benefits Application; Tenn. Code Ann. § 50-7-301(b)
| Weekly benefit amount | Your weekly benefit amount comes from a benefit table based on the average of your wages in the two highest-paid quarters of your base period. Eligible claimants may receive up to $325 per week; the lowest amount in the table is $55 per week. |
|---|---|
| How many weeks | The number of weeks depends on the state average unemployment rate. You can receive up to 12 weeks when the rate is at or below 5.5%, with one more week for each 0.5% increase above that. The number of weeks set for your claim does not change during your benefit year, and no extensions are available once you use up your benefits. The Department's table shows up to 24 weeks at a 10.5% unemployment rate, while the statute text on the public code mirror says the maximum is 20 weeks if the rate is above 9%. |
| Waiting week | Yes. If your claim is approved, the first week you certify for is a waiting week. It is paid only if you certify for and are eligible for four weeks in a row; on the fourth week you receive a double payment covering the waiting week and the fourth week. |
Where to get help in Tennessee
More Tennessee unemployment benefits
- Logging In to Your Tennessee Unemployment Claim
- Unemployment for Self-Employed and Gig Workers in Tennessee
- Unemployment After Being Fired in Tennessee
- Unemployment After Quitting in Tennessee
- How to File for Unemployment in Tennessee
- All Tennessee unemployment benefits rules
FAQ
How much is unemployment in Tennessee?
Your weekly benefit amount comes from a benefit table based on the average of your wages in the two highest-paid quarters of your base period. Eligible claimants may receive up to $325 per week; the lowest amount in the table is $55 per week.
How long can you get unemployment in Tennessee?
The number of weeks depends on the state average unemployment rate. You can receive up to 12 weeks when the rate is at or below 5.5%, with one more week for each 0.5% increase above that. The number of weeks set for your claim does not change during your benefit year, and no extensions are available once you use up your benefits.
Is there a waiting week for unemployment in Tennessee?
Yes. If your claim is approved, the first week you certify for is a waiting week. It is paid only if you certify for and are eligible for four weeks in a row; on the fourth week you receive a double payment covering the waiting week and the fourth week.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.