Tennessee Unemployment Application

Most residents in Tennessee can file claims by telephone or online. However, if you live in Fayette, Tipton, Lauderdale or Shelby counties, only “lack of work” claims may be filed online. Otherwise, residents in these four counties must file in person at one of these locations.

File by Internet

Apply for Unemployment online Sunday – Friday: 8am – Midnight.

Note: Internet is not available on Saturday

You can apply for unemployment or update your weekly certification. Once you are registered, you can report a missing check, file a wage protest, file an appeal and update your personal information.

If you don’t have access to a computer, they are available at your local Tennessee Career Center. Only lack-of-work claims may be filed on the Internet. No Federal Claims will be accepted.

Online Applications hours of availability:

  • Sunday 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Central Time
  • Monday – Friday 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. Central Time

File by phone:

Dial (615) 253-0800 or 1 (877) 813-0950 to file for benefits through the phone. Make sure that you have a stable connections. Ideally, avoid using cordless phones. Telephone service can be availed at all Career Centre Locations.

For ease in filing claim, make the call on days between Monday and Friday. Call volumes are reported to be lowest during these days.

Individuals who do not have a recall date on which they will be restored for work, may need to register for work while claiming UC. Register with Tennessee Career Centers to get assistance with job hunting.

Benefit offices hours8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
UI Claims CenterPhone:  615-253-0800 (Nashville area)9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time

To file a claim through the Claims Center, please click here to find the phone number for your county.

You can call (toll free) 1-877-813-0950 to file a claim for unemployment insurance if you live outside of Tennessee and are filing a claim against Tennessee.

Weekly Certification

Claimant is liable for certifying his/her eligibility on a weekly basis as long as he/she is unemployed. If you do not certify, you will not be paid if your claim is approved later. If you are unable to access the TIPS line to certify, you should contact the office where you filed your claim as soon as possible.

TIPS Phone Numbers:

  • Nashville: 615-532-1800
  • Other Tennessee Areas: 1-800-689-9799
  • Out of State Claimants: 1-800-262-8094

Information Needed to File a Claim

Have the following information available when you file your claim either by phone or at your local Labor and Workforce Development Office.

  1. Social Security Number
  2. Drivers License Number
  3. Address
  4. Telephone Number
  5. Separating Employer’s Name
  6. Separating Employer’s Address
  7. Separating Employer’s Telephone Number
  8. Separating Employer’s Fax Number (if known)
  9. Last Day Worked
  10. Reason for Separation
  11. Places of Employment for the last 18 months

When you file a claim for benefits in a local Labor and Workforce Development Office, be sure to take your Social Security card and separation notice with you if your employer provided one. However, you may file a claim without a separation notice as a separation notice is not mandatory.

Want to know about how much you will receive?? Calculate your benefits here

Read Frequently Asked Questions for Claimants in Tennessee

Unemployed?? Check your eligibility for unemployment benefits

  1. I have been trying to check in with my representative for 3 days now. The phone just rings for 10 minutes and the. Tells me I can’t leave a message. THIS AFFECTS MY ELIGIBILITY! Someone needs to contact me NOW

  2. Just checking in I file a claim 01/10/21 haven’t got an update yet can someone look in to it for me,thanksgiving

  3. I tried to do my weakly certification for the first time today. I did something wrong because it said I hadn’t filled out any applications.I did more than three but not on the jobs4gov, they were on different websites, such as Indeed, Walmartjobs.com and mycnajobs.com.Where do I go to post them, or is it too late to do it now. I tried to ask for help on the jobs4gov, web, but she said she couldn’t help me. What do I do now?

  4. America is not what the world make it. We’re both here and we get no help when needed in 26 with a one year old daughter. I’m disabled with RRMS at a Yong age 18 when I was diagnosed I didn’t want this check. I didn’t understand how serious this bs was… It’s so hard to get help with something you’re disabled with like what isn’t this bill shit in my medical records????? N they do not want to help me. I have a daughter to take care of for goodness sakes. So I guess this my last chance to get income. SOMEONE HELP PLEASE!!!!

  5. I work at a Whirlpool factory in Cleveland TN as a full time employee. From time to time they cut weekly hours and send employees home or just cut/schedule less hours a week ahead of time. Can I file for partial unemployment benefits?

    • Robert,

      Please consider applying for partial UI benefits until full-time hours are restored. You can be eligible.

      • I worked at greyhound bus station in Dallas Texas for 13. Months. I ask for an absent of leave. my supervisor denied it I had to leave because seizure I’m back in Memphis I was denied for ueployment

        • Annie,

          Please note UI benefits are only extended to claimants who lose employment due to involuntary reasons. If you think you have a solid case, please consider filing an “Appeal”.

  6. I am filing out the application form. It indicates that there was an “incident.” In my case there was no “incident” so the subsequent questions are not relevant. How do I continue completing the form? Perhaps I have missed something on the form?

  7. I was in a motorcycle accident and I have no feeling or movement in my right on the doctor say it may be a while before it gets better can I file for any kind of unemployment

    • I am sorry to hear about your health condition. Hope you get well soon.

      Unfortunately, UI benefits are only extended to those who’re able and available for work. Please explore the availability of related benefits in your state.

  8. I STILL CAN NOT REOPEN MY UNEMPLOYMENT. I TRIED IN MAY I WENT BACK TO WORK FOR A WEEK NOW I still can not open it

    • Please call the Unemployment Office on the phone numbers provided for reopening or status.

      This is a private forum.

  9. same question as before how do I file for partial unemployment in Tn I am out of work due to weather and hope to return. I know the first week (last week) was waiting week but I am out this week also so Help I don’t need to go through all the hassle of as full time unemployment. I work when we have work.

  10. I am out of work due to the weather but hope to start back soon how do I file for partial unemployment, I know the first week (last week) was my waiting week and I am off this week so how do I file for partial.

  11. I’m trying to sign up for unemployment but want take my information and all need to know is I live in Scottsville KY but I worked in Tennessee so where do I sign up for unemployment?

  12. I have been approved and been waiting to be able to draw unemployment since June 24. It’s now the beginning of August. I’ve called each week and sent emails with no response. I need answers and help NOW!

    • Please call the phone numbers provided for an update. We are not associated with the labor authorities in your state.

  13. I am trying to open claim but I am unable to do so due to my working out of state. I commission power plants so I seldom work at or near home. My issue is that I have been instructed to contact UI personnel to file my claim but I can’t reach anyone and when I leave a message asking for someone to contact me I get no response. Is there another number? Is there a secret code? Is there any other way to get a live person on the other end of 877-813-0950?
    The project that I have been waiting for here in TN has been cancelled so I have been unemployed for more than two months and I’m running out of money and need the assistance of this service. All the companies I have worked for pay into the TN UI account because I am a resident yet I am unable to make a claim. In the past it had been difficult to file a claim here at home (TN) but these days it appears to be impossible. What can I do to resolve this before they turn off my electricity, internet, and repossess my car?
    I don’t mean to be so wordy but I need some help here.
    Thanks.

    • Please ask a friend or a relative residing in TN to help you file a claim. It is tough to get through with a person there. We get to hear many complaints from TN.

      Else, please check if you can visit the nearest office.

  14. Need to talk with a real person at your office. When trying to make claim I was told I was told I was locked out and someone will call me or email me. So far no has contacted me. I received a letter saying my claim two weeks ago, saying my claim is approved. I was laid off on march 17, 2014 fan claim in April, 2014 have not received one(1) penny. Someone heed to call me ASAP to let me know what’s wrong? I’ll no one else have to go thru the lack of respect.

    • Please note that we are not associated with the labor dept in your state. You must continue trying the phone numbers and speak to a rep.

  15. Have been trying to reopen my claim, went through the link that I was provided the first time I sent in a question through this link. I received a response and was asked via e-mail to provide further information and was advised I had been assigned a case worker. I provided the information requested 4 days ago and have still heard nothing. when I try to call still can’t get through to a representative.

    • Initial claims will take some time to be processed.Please follow up now.You must be able to get a status.

  16. I’m trying to apply for the extension on my unemployment benefits. I keep getting the response to wait.

    • If you’ve exhausted regular state provided benefits, there is no extension available at this time.

      Please watch national news on extension and apply if/when extended.

    • If you’re asking about EUC(Emergency unemployment compensation),it is not available at this time. The EUC is a federal program that remains expired as of 28th Dec 2013.

      Please watch national news for specific updates if the Congress extends the scheme.

    • If you applied for unemployment compensation in TN,please pro actively follow up on 1-800-689-9799 or 1-800-262-8094.Do not wait for a call back.

  17. im laid off again and I needed to start my unemployment im thru the same people as the first time and I got laid off agin so how dp I sign up for my unemployment again.Thanks,Tammy Summey

  18. Tried to sign up for unemployment benefits for tn but lives in ms the system would not let me out in the country I live in then tried to call 1800 number due to high call volumes I can’t speak to anyone

  19. Dear sirs,I have already applied for benefits for the time I worked in Tennessee and got denied,and I wish to file an appeal for this,could you please contact me at 734,819,8455,I moved back to Mich permatly,and am now going to truck delivering school to get a job,have already been accepted to drive for Conway,however I need my unemployment money because the school does not pay me to go

  20. Filled out claim two weeks ago. The system will not let me answer questions that are asked. It will say can not assist me at this time ?

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