COVID-19 Unemployment for Employers

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Employers Non-Charges to Unemployment Tax Accounts Extended

Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Jeff McCord has notified the leadership of the Employment Security division of changes to Tennessee law that allows employers across the state to avoid charges against their unemployment tax accounts. 

Pursuant to Senate Bill 2520, which was signed into law by Governor Bill Lee on June 22, 2020, the Employment Security Division is directed to suspend the provisions of T.C.A. 50-7-403(d) relating to base period contributory employers.

The employer tax account of any contributory employer in a claimant’s base period for any unemployment benefits paid to a claimant as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its effects, for unemployment claims filed between March 15, 2020, through Sept. 30, 2020, shall be harmless and not charged.

Employee Work Refusal Form

If a Tennessee employer has an employee who refuses to return to work, and the employees does not meet specific CARES Act qualifications, the employer can notify the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development by filling out the form found in the tab below.

If your business is reducing hours or closing due to COVID-19 you may expedite the unemployment claim process for your employees by submitting an Employer-Filed Mass Claim.

Employer-Filed Mass Claim

This is the preferred method if your business has not yet closed and you believe you will reopen. If you are uncertain of a reopen date, enter 16 weeks from the date of filing. Employers provide a list of employee names and required information to file a claim on behalf of employees. Instruct employees not to file an individual claim and that they will need to certify each Sunday to be paid in a timely manner.

Download Employer-Filed Mass Claim Form Here

Employers can send partial layoffs to Partial.Claims@tn.gov

Important Information:

• If you do not submit an employer filed a mass claim, you will be required to respond to each individual employee’s claim, delaying the benefit payment process.
• You should encourage your employees to have an active email address to ensure this process works efficiently.
• Please tell your employees to look for an email so they can register at Jobs4TN.gov, where they will complete weekly certifications to notify the state they are still not working.