Unemployment Tips for Tennessee
How to File for Unemployment and Find Resources in Tennessee
Filing for Unemployment in Tennessee
You will need to wait a week after you are officially unemployed to file for unemployment. There are three ways to file for unemployment in Tennessee right now:
1. Internet filing - This is the fastest way to file for unemployment in Tennessee and the way the experts recommend you file. Go to http://state.tn.us/labor-wfd/ or http://www.tennessee.gov/labor-wfd
2. Telephone - Because of the high call volume at the unemployment call centers, it is NOT recommended you use this method. However, the two phone numbers for filing for unemployment in Tennessee are 615-253-0800 or 1/877-813-0950.
3. Paper claim - This method is extremely slow as your paperwork makes its way to the office via snail mail. In fact, looking through the paperwork I received from the seminar I attended, they didn't bother to provide the mailing address.
4. Mass Claim Filing - Because of the high volume of people applying for unemployment right now, you may have seen on television where they are doing temporary mass claim-taking sessions. You would have to check with your local unemployment office to find out if the office near you is doing this. At the office at Metro Center in Nashville, Tennessee, they are apparently doing two sessions on Mondays and Thursdays at 8:30 AM and 1:00 PM, and one session on Fridays at 8:30 AM.
For the mass claim filing, you will need:
- Your separation notice
- A picture ID (your TN driver's license will work
- Your social security card or birth certificate
Additional Notes about Unemployment in Tennessee
It takes about 2 1/2 weeks to get your first check after you file. Your forth unemployment check will be double the normal amount to make up for the first week of unemployment before you filed.
You must check in weekly by phone or online for certification to receive the next unemployment check. Again, because call centers stay so busy, the Internet is recommended for your weekly certification.
In addition to your unemployment check, you are also allowed to earn a very small income, up to either $50 or 25% of your benefits. Check with your local unemployment office for more details.
Any severance, 401K, and vacation pay you earned at your job does not effect your unemployment.
Your unemployment income is taxable at 10%. You may choose to have this amount deducted from each unemployment check or pay it at the end of the year in a lump sum.
Tennessee Unemployment Resources
Tennessee Job Services - You MUST register for Job Services in person at your local career center and fill out an application (one page, front and back) with the FIRST WEEK of filing for unemployment. If you go in for one of the mass claim filing sessions, you can more than likely register for Job Services at 8:00AM, before the 8:30 claim session begins.
Tennessee Career Centers - Your local career center may have a career coach who can provide you with information about free job training which may be available to you. They offer courses and training at the local career centers which are located across the state.
Nashville Career Advancement Center - The Nashville Career Advancement Center is located at 621 Mainstream Drive in Suite 210 in Nashville and provides career services including workshops and training. Their phone number is 615-862-8890. Toll free (TTY): 1-800-848-0298
Tennessee Internet Resources -
- https://ecmats.state.tn.us - At this website you can search statewide for job postings. Click on "Job Seeker" at the bottom to register.
- http://www.sourcetn.org/ - Department of Labor and Workforce Development website with information on training and services.
Facing unemployment is NOT a happy prospect, but with the right tools, it need not be as overwhelming as it might otherwise be.
Published by Kathryn E. Darden
An author, poet, publisher, publicist & skincare consultant, I have written for publications including CCM Magazine, The Tennessean, Barbie Bazaar Magazine, Christian Activities & several local newspapers.... View profile
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18 Comments
Post a Commentgood article, thanks! Here it is June 2010, jobs are gone, so are the unemployment checks for many of us.
Each individual, plus friends, family and any who are affected by this national unemployment crisis: Call, write, email to your Congressman, Senator, President, Vice President, Speaker of the House, etc. Let your own views be known. We, the People, are not too proud to ask for help, when help is sorely needed
This is all I was told: "It takes about 2 1/2 weeks to get your first unemployment check after you file." That was a seminar for Nashville - don't know about other areas.
I filed for unemployment benifits on 10/8/09. I still have not recieved a check. When should I expect my first check? Thanks you
Regarding waiting 24 hours, I was repeating verbatim what the three representatives from the Tennessee Department of Labor and the Tennessee Career Center made it a point to say in the seminar they held at Macy's in March of 2009. Their point was the paperwork from your employer might not be on record or filed yet if you come in immediately, and one lady from the unemployment office said wait a week. The lady from the career center seconded that information, and the third representative was nodding in agreement. I agree a week sounds like a long time, but that is what they told us.
While Kathryn's information is great. I would NOT wait 24 hours to file an unemployment claim, just do it!
I live in Johnson City, Tennessee and thought I would share the posted schedule of "News & Events" for the Northeast Tennessee Career Center. I guess making sure the unemployed know the center's PAID holiday schedule is more important than scheduling and posting events that might just help the unemployed; for example resume writing, business networking, dressing for an interview, how to use today's tools to look for a job...
January, 2009;
January 12, 2009, Closed for Martin Luther King Day
February, 2009;
February 16, 2009, Closed for President's Day
March, 2009;
Dates Pending
April, 2009;
April 10, 2009, Closed for Good Friday
May, 2009;
May 25, 2009, Closed for Memorial Day
June, 2009:
Dates Pending
July, 2009:
July 4, 2009, Closed for Independence Day
August, 2009:
Dates Pending
September, 2009:
September 7, 2009, Closed for Lab
you are very helpful Kathryn! thank you!~
I filed my Tennessee unemployment claim at www.tennesseeanytime.org/labor. It took about 15 minutes, and I didn't need the forms and ID I was told to bring to the Tennessee unemployment office.
* In January of 2009, the Department of Labor reported that more than 84,000 unemployment claims were filed the previous month in Tennessee which is 115% more claims filed than in 2008.
* In February 2009 it was reported the state's unemployment fund could run out.
Yes, Dena, that was my full-time occupation - writing as an independent contractor for newspapers and magazines that all managed to go belly up during the past 4 years. Now I am loosing the part-time job that kept me barely afloat. Hopefully, things will get better soon. In the meantime, I am working on Bukisa, AC, e-How and others like there's no tomorrow!!! (http://www.bukisa.com/r/kathryndarden, http://www.ehow.com/members/kathryndarden.html)
Great info. Unfortunately, I was listed as an independent contractor, which seems to mean that there is no help for me. :(