Coronavirus (COVID-19) Relief Center
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Relief Center
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Tennessee
These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on June 9, 2020.
For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in Tennessee, we recommend that you visit the state's COVID-19 Resource website.
Description of Program and Relief
Unemployment Benefits for Employees, Self-Employed Individuals and Independent Contractors
Unemployed workers affected by COVID-19 may be eligible for benefits under already-existing Tennessee unemployment insurance, which provides temporary income for workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own and who are either looking for new jobs or awaiting recall to employment.
For those that do not qualify for regular unemployment insurance, the Pandemic Unemployment Benefits Program PUA provides up to 39 weeks of benefits to qualifying individuals who are otherwise able to work and available for work within the meaning of applicable state law, except that they are unemployed, partially unemployed, or unable or unavailable to work due to COVID-19 related reasons, as defined in the CARES Act. Self-employed individuals and independent contractors who are not typically eligible for unemployment insurance, are eligible to receive unemployment benefits through PUA.
Government or Lead Agency
Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development
Dates Available
Effective immediately.
Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions
Individuals may be eligible for PUA if they do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits (including self-employed workers and independent contractors) and cannot work because they:
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Are diagnosed COVID-19 or have COVID-19 symptoms and are seeking diagnosis;
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Have a member of the household who is diagnosed with COVID-19;
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Are providing care for a family or household member diagnosed with COVID-19;
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Are the primary caregiver for a child whose school or care facility closed, due to COVID-19;
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Are unable to reach their place of employment due to an imposed quarantine, or because advised by a medical provider to self-quarantine, due to COVID-19;
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Were scheduled to start new employment and cannot reach the workplace as a direct result of COVID-19;
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Became the major breadwinner because the head of household died from COVID-19;
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Quit their job as a direct result of COVID-19;
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Had their place of employment closed as a direct result of COVID-19; or
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Meet any additional criteria specified by U.S. Secretary of Labor.
Individuals are not eligible for PUA if they can telework or are receiving paid sick leave or other paid leave benefits (regardless of meeting a category listed above).
All PUA claimants will first receive the minimum weekly PUA benefit of $120 and the additional $600 weekly Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) benefit. Individuals eligible for more than the minimum will see their payments adjusted up over time. Payments are retroactive to March 15 or when the claimant first applied. The FPUC benefit is retroactive back to the week ending April 4. PUA benefits cannot be paid for weeks of unemployment ending after December 31, 2020.
Application Deadlines (If Applicable)
N/A
Contact for More Information
For assistance with PUA claims, please call 1-844- 224-5818.
List of Additional Information
© 2021 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes.