Tennessee Unemployment Benefits Extended
Nov 6 — Tennessee Extends Unemployment Benefits
President Obama signed into law on November 6, 2009, legislation that extends unemployment benefits an additional 20 weeks in states that have unemployment rates above 8.5%. States below 8.5% receive an additional 14 weeks. The latest unemployment numbers from Tennessee estimate that 10.3% of its workforce is currently unemployed, qualifying the state for the additional 20 weeks of benefits. However, those counting on extended benefits in Tennessee may have a delay in receiving them.
The United States Department of Labor has yet to issue operating instructions for the new funds and officials in Tennessee cannot update their computer programs with the necessary changes to process applications and make payments until the Department of Labor issues these instructions. The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development Office says that all benefits will be paid in full once the necessary changes are made, but expect delays. These delays are likely to be resolved quickly, but if your benefits have already run out you may experience a two to three week lag in receiving payments.
Extended benefits are available for those job seekers whose benefits expire before December 31. The requirements for receiving the extended benefits are the same as regular benefits. You must be totally or partially unemployed by no fault of your own. You must have qualifying wages in the base period earned at an eligible workplace (you must have had unemployment insurance withheld, or an employer who withheld it). You must be physically able to perform work that is offered to you. You must be available to accept work that is offered to you, and you must report any work performed that you expect to get paid for.
You can apply for unemployment insurance in Tennessee by visiting www.tennesseeanytime.org/labor/. You can also call 1-877-813-0950, wait times are lower on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. When using the internet or phone option make sure you have all of your relevant information ready, such as contact information for your employer, and your personal information. If you live in Fayette, Tipton, Lauderdale, or Shelby county, you must apply in person for benefits. Offices for these counties are in Collierville, Memphis, Covington, Ripley, and Somerville. 
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