NASHVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Unemployment claims are 25-times higher than normal in Tennessee.
100,000 claims will be paid this week by the state according to the Tennessee Department of Labor.
If you need to file for unemployment, click the image below for the steps to follow and the information you’ll need to complete the application. pic.twitter.com/ti9AGurJ7H
— TN Dept of Labor & Workforce (@Jobs4_TN) April 3, 2020
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) are available to Tennesseans who are unemployed due to coronavirus through the recent passing of the federal CARES Act.
The Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program extends unemployment benefits for an extra 13 weeks. The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program expands unemployment insurance eligibility to self-employed workers, freelancers, independent contractors, and part-time workers impacted by the coronavirus.
The FPUC is an emergency program designed to increase unemployment for Americans affected by the pandemic. FPUC is an additional $600 established by the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act.
Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide loan forgiveness to small businesses who are committed to keeping their employees on the payroll. The Small Business Administration will “forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.”
The Small Business Administration has several opportunities available including: Paycheck Protection Program, EIDL Loan Assistance, SBA Express Bridge Loans, and SBA Debt Relief.
As to when the bulk of funds will begin to be dispersed, Commissioner Gonzales, Department of Financial Institutions, said money has gone out and there has been a lot of activity thus far. “The program just began on Friday. It’s still evolving. It’s still being developed.” The commissioner said there are “billions of dollars at play”.
We’ve added more agents and extended hours at our call centers. We are doing everything we possibly can to meet this unprecedented demand created by #COVID-19. We truly appreciate your patience during this difficult time in our state. pic.twitter.com/FKE8TreNmN
— TN Dept of Labor & Workforce (@Jobs4_TN) April 3, 2020
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Non-profit organizations are applicable under the Small Business Administration protection loans.
Tennessee financial institutions will be facilitating this unprecedented program. Business should expect temporary delays while banks are preparing to accept and process loan applications.
Small businesses in need of support should contact their financial institution for details.