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 hours | 8:00 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.
- Social Security Number
- Drivers License Number
- Address
- Telephone Number
- Separating Employer’s Name
- Separating Employer’s Address
- Separating Employer’s Telephone Number
- Separating Employer’s Fax Number (if known)
- Last Day Worked
- Reason for Separation
- 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
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