Tennessee Unemployment Calculator.
Estimate your weekly benefit using Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development's official 2026 formula.
Tennessee Calculator
Tennessee Benefits — 2026
How Tennessee calculates your benefit.
Tennessee uses the Highest Quarter ÷ 26 method to determine your Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA). The calculation uses wages from your base period — typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file.
Formula
1. Find the highest-earning quarter
2. Divide by 26
3. Apply min ($30) / max ($275) caps
WBA = max($30, min(HQ ÷ 26, $275))
Base Period
Standard: First 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before filing. If you file in May 2026, your base period is Jan–Dec 2025.
Eligibility requirements.
Minimum earnings: You must have earned at least $1,848 during your base period.
Job separation: Must have lost your job through no fault of your own (layoff, reduction in force, position eliminated).
Able and available: You must be physically able to work and actively seeking employment.
Ready to file in Tennessee?
File online at Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development
Estimates only. Actual benefits determined by Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development based on official wage records. Data sourced from DOL Significant Provisions · Last verified 2026-01-15 · Not affiliated with any government agency.