Unemployment Benefits Estimator — Tennessee

Unemployment Benefits Estimator in Tennessee

Tennessee's weekly benefit is 1/26 of the average of your two highest base-period quarters, between $55 and $325. Duration is indexed to the state unemployment rate on a 12-to-20-week sliding scale, with weeks added as the rate climbs; Tennessee sits at the bottom of that scale today, so 12 weeks is what a new claim gets and the number does not vary with your earnings the way it does in most states. One unpaid waiting week applies, which effectively makes a maximum claim eleven paid weeks in a thirteen-week span. Tennessee does not use broad-based categorical eligibility for SNAP, so the standard 130% FPL gross income limit applies. Apply at https://jobs4tn.gov/

Unemployment Benefits in Tennessee: Weekly Amounts and How Long They Last

Tennessee pays a weekly unemployment benefit of between $55 and $325. Those are the statutory floor and ceiling, not an estimate of what you personally would receive: your weekly benefit amount is calculated from the wages in your base period, and the maximum is reached only if those wages were high enough. Tennessee computes it this way — Weekly benefit amount is 1/26th of the average of wages paid in the two highest quarters of the base period, subject to the state minimum and maximum.

• Weekly benefit range: $55 to $325
• Weeks payable: 12 weeks
• Waiting week: yes — the first otherwise-payable week is unpaid, and you generally still have to file a weekly claim for it
• In effect since: January 1, 2026

How Tennessee decides how many weeks you get: Shortened and indexed duration: Tennessee's own site states the maximum number of weeks a claimant can draw is currently 12 weeks. Tennessee law indexes duration to the state unemployment rate on a 12-to-20-week sliding scale (more weeks are added as the state unemployment rate rises); USDOL notes the number of weeks depends on base-period wages and the state's unemployment rate. At present Tennessee sits at the 12-week floor, so 12 is both the floor and the operative ceiling.

Source and date: these Tennessee figures were verified on August 2, 2026 against TN Department of Labor and Workforce Development, 'What to Expect After You File' (weeks and waiting week); USDOL Significant Provisions of State UI Laws, January 2026 (dollar amounts), and are the amounts that agency shows as in effect since January 1, 2026. Benefit amounts and durations change — many states re-index once a year, and some change duration as the state unemployment rate moves — so check the agency link before relying on a figure. Only your monetary determination letter states your own weekly benefit amount and the number of weeks you can actually be paid.

SNAP Benefits in Tennessee

Tennessee follows standard SNAP income limits at 130% of the Federal Poverty Level. The maximum monthly SNAP benefit for a household of 4 in Tennessee is $975. You can apply online at https://tn.gov/humanservices or by calling 211.

Medicaid in Tennessee

Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid (State Medicaid). This state has not expanded Medicaid Apply at https://tenncareconnect.tn.gov/.

Tennessee Wage Information

The minimum wage in Tennessee is $7.25/hour ($2.13/hour for tipped workers). The median household income is $65,254. Tennessee has no state income tax.

Tenant Rights in Tennessee

Tennessee requires landlords to give 14 days notice for nonpayment of rent before filing for eviction. The typical eviction process takes approximately 30 days. Free legal aid is available at https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/division-ofappeals-and-hearings/dhs-appeals-legal-aid.html.

Rent in Tennessee

The median rent in Tennessee is approximately $982/month for a 1-bedroom and $1,069/month for a 2-bedroom apartment. Tennessee does not have rent control.

Important Notes for Tennessee Residents

The data shown above is based on publicly available information and is updated regularly. Benefit amounts, eligibility rules, and legal requirements can change. Always verify current information with your local Tennessee agencies before making important decisions. This calculator provides estimates — not guaranteed outcomes.