Workers Impacted by the Federal Government Shutdown

Any worker in Tennessee, whether federal, state, or private industry, whose job was impacted by the federal government shutdown may file for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits beginning on the first day they do not report to work.

In general, if you are unemployed through no fault of your own and are available to work, you may be eligible to receive UI benefits, provided you meet all other eligibility requirements. This could include any worker not on the job because of the shutdown.

You can review the eligibility requirements to receive UI benefits in Tennessee here.

Federal employees who are furloughed and not working.

Important: Furloughed federal employees not working because of the shutdown should enter their wages when prompted. This will help expedite the claim's processing. 

Employees who continue to work but are not receiving pay.

Federal employees who continue to work but are not receiving a paycheck are not eligible for UI benefits.

Notice of potential overpayments.

If Congress authorizes back pay when the shutdown ends, any claimant who receives it will be required to repay the State of Tennessee for any UI benefits they received during the furlough.