Tennessee Unemployment Rates, Benefits Backlogged
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JACKSON, Tenn. — Many West Tennesseans are still waiting for unemployment checks because of a massive back log in claims. Officials said this time of year during the winter months is especially hard to get claims approved quickly due to seasonal unemployment numbers increasing. Latest records show there are now more than 227,000 Tennesseans unemployed with more than 43,000 people receiving unemployment benefits. Officials said because they are seeing around 8-10,000 new unemployment claims each week, some of their claim approvals are being delayed. “We have some individuals who have indicated that they have had a delay in receiving benefits or getting a decision,” said Mark Chandler, Tenn Dept. of Labor and Workforce. On average 72 percent of all approved unemployment claims are paid within 21 days or less. Officials said due to seasonal unemployment increasing, 12,000 Tennessee claims are currently in backlogged. “We are in the winter months and a lot of industries such as construction and some retail they will cut back or scale back and we are seeing some of that right now,” said Chandler. “It’s hard for me because I want to pay my bills..I feel like most everybody does,” said James Redd, who is unemployed. “I want to stay current with my stuff so that when I get into a new job, I’m not starting out in the hole. Time without being able to get those unemployment benefits is a problem.” Officials said for some, unemployment benefit approvals could take from 8-10 weeks. “What we advise individuals is to make sure they certify each week because if their claim is eventually approved they will go back and pay them for all of the weeks they certified for,” said Chandler. Tennessee’s latest unemployment rate was released Thursday, it shows December’s rating has decreased to 7.8 percent. The top ten highest Tennessee Unemployment Rates are as follows: *Scott Co. 15.7 % * Lauderdale Co. 12.5 % * Pickett Co. 12.0 % * Gibson Co. 11.7 % * Haywood Co. 11.3 % * McNairy Co. 11.3% * Lawrence Co. 11.0 % * Carroll Co. 11.0 % * Hancock Co. 10.8 % * Obion Co. 10.8 % Officials said since extended benefits expired in December they are seeing more competition in the job market search. If you are having difficulty receiving unemployment benefits or approval, officials said there is an online tracking application you can fill out. The application can be sent to the main unemployment offices in Nashville where a representative will track and review the claim.
