I am self-employed or an independent contractor. Am I eligible for Unemployment Insurance?

Typically, most self-employed individuals and independent contractors working in Tennessee are not authorized to obtain regular Tennessee Unemployment Compensation (TUC). However, self-employed individuals and independent contractors may be eligible for benefits under Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). PUA is available for individuals who would normally not be eligible for regular unemployment benefits, but are unable to work because of COVID-19. PUA is available for periods of unemployment between January 27, 2020 and December 31, 2020. The maximum benefit amount is $275, the same as the maximum benefit amount for regular Tennessee unemployment insurance benefits. The minimum PUA benefit amount is calculated by USDOL, quarterly, as 50% of the average weekly benefit amount in each state. For January 1, 2020 – March 31, 2020, the minimum benefit rate is $120. For April 1, 2020 – June 30, 2020, the minimum benefit rate is $121. An additional $600 will be paid on top of your weekly benefit amount under the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program.