2026 · Tennessee
Tennessee unemployment benefits
Tennessee pays up to $325 a week for up to 12 weeks, a middle-of-the-pack maximum (#45 of 51). Estimate yours below.
Only some states pay a dependent allowance.
An estimate only, your state agency sets your actual benefit. Nothing you enter is stored.
Tennessee's 2026 figures
| Weekly benefit range | $55 - $325 |
| Maximum duration | 12 weeks (12 base, indexed up to 20) |
| Waiting week | Yes, one unpaid week |
| How it's figured | two high quarters |
| Taxed by Tennessee? | No, state-tax-free |
Worked example: a $60,000 earner in Tennessee
On a $60,000 prior wage, the estimate is about $325 a week that hits Tennessee's maximum. Over 12 weeks that's up to $3,900 in total. Tennessee has an unpaid one-week waiting week, so your first payment covers the second week you claim.
Questions about Tennessee unemployment
How much does Tennessee pay in unemployment?
Between $55 and $325 a week in 2026, based on your prior wages (two high quarters). The $325 maximum is a middle-of-the-pack maximum (#45 of 51).
How long does Tennessee unemployment last?
Up to 12 weeks12 base, indexed up to 20. That's separate from the weekly amount; low earners may qualify for fewer weeks.
Is Tennessee unemployment taxed?
Federally, yes, it's ordinary income (elect 10% withholding on Form W-4V). Tennessee does not tax it, it's state-tax-free.
Does severance affect my Tennessee unemployment?
Filing timing can matter. Some states delay or reduce unemployment while severance is being paid, and the rule varies. Tennessee's treatment is not modeled here, confirm the timing with Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development before you file, since it is a real-money decision.
File with Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. This is an estimate, Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development determines your actual benefit.
Your Tennessee layoff toolkit
- Tennessee severance tax the tax on your severance
- Runway calculator how long your money lasts
- Tennessee paycheck calculator your take-home when you're back at work
- Tennessee 1099 tax if you go freelance or contract
An estimate, Tennessee's agency determines your actual benefit. Figures from the verified 2026 dataset, last verified 2026-07-24. Nothing you enter is stored. Not tax or legal advice.