Unemployment if you quit or were fired in Tennessee
The state's rules for quitting and for being fired are different. This page gives the state's own words.
All about unemployment in Tennessee
Checked against official sources: October 31, 2026.
Quit, fired or refused work
If you quit
If you quit, you are probably not eligible unless the reason was connected with your work. TDLWD gathers information from you and your employer and decides under state law.
If you were fired
If you were discharged for work-related misconduct, you can be denied. Being let go for other reasons, such as lack of work, does not by itself stop benefits. At an appeal hearing, firsthand (eyewitness) testimony carries weight; secondhand statements carry little or none.
If benefits are denied for the separation
A disqualification for quitting or misconduct lasts until you work again and earn a set amount in new work. Your determination letter explains what you must do to requalify.
Refusing work
Failing to seek or accept suitable work is a common reason benefits are denied.
Official source: Source page
You usually must be unemployed through no fault of your own. In most states this means you lost your job because there was not enough work.
Able, available and looking for work
Job contacts per week: 4
Each week you must complete at least four job searches and/or reemployment activities (such as interviews or job fairs) and report them on your weekly certification. You can also meet the requirement by using services at an American Job Center.
Records to keep
Report your 4 work search activities for the prior week on each weekly certification.
Official source: Source page
To be paid for a week, you must be able to work, available to work and actively seeking work.
Law: 42 U.S.C. 503(a)(12)
Common reasons for a denial and what federal law says →
Free help
Call 1-844-224-5818. Legal aid and other free help in Tennessee → Official sources →
More questions about unemployment in Tennessee
Can I get unemployment in Tennessee if I quit?
If you quit, you are probably not eligible unless the reason was connected with your work. TDLWD gathers information from you and your employer and decides under state law.
Can I get unemployment in Tennessee if I was fired?
If you were discharged for work-related misconduct, you can be denied. Being let go for other reasons, such as lack of work, does not by itself stop benefits.