NASHVILLE, TENN. – State Rep. John Holsclaw, R-Elizabethton, has released the following resource guide for small business owners and Tennesseans who may have recently been laid off or experienced a reduction in pay as a result of Covid-19.
“Unemployment benefits provide a much-needed lifeline for thousands of Tennesseans who suddenly find themselves laid off, furloughed or working reduced hours as a result of COVID-19,” said Holsclaw. “This virus has been devastating for our workforce and for business owners. My office stands ready to assist the citizens of Unicoi and Carter counties who urgently need these benefits and resources.”
Tennesseans who have lost income, contracts, or their jobs will be eligible to receive significantly expanded unemployment compensation benefits as a result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act.
The maximum weekly benefit amount in Tennessee is $275, but between now and July 31, an additional $600 will be added to every unemployment compensation check
Visit the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development website to file for Unemployment Insurance and other forms of assistance here or go to www.tn.gov/workforce
To track an unemployment claim’s status, visit here.
If you are a business owner and you are concerned about making payroll or paying bills:
The Paycheck Protection Program provides eight weeks of cash-flow assistance through 100 percent federally guaranteed loans to small employers who keep paying their employees during this emergency.
The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private, non-profit organizations. For information, go here.
The IRS is extending payroll tax credits to eligible small and midsize businesses. Go here for information.
If you have questions about new federal paid leave requirements related to the Coronavirus visit the U.S. Labor Department’s Fact Sheet for Employees:
To contact State Rep. John Holsclaw, call 615-741-7450 or email him at [email protected]