Are small business owners eligible for unemployment benefits in Tennessee?
Andrew Ramirez
Published Mar 13, 2026
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).
Can I file for unemployment as an independent contractor?
Can self-employed workers file for unemployment? Normally, self-employed and 1099 earners — such as sole independent contractors, freelancers, gig workers and sole proprietors — do not qualify for unemployment benefits.
Can you get unemployment and PPP loan if you are self-employed?
Yes, but proceed with caution. There is no restriction on receiving both benefits, but as a general rule you should not use your PPP loan to cover your own compensation while at the same time receiving unemployment benefits.
Can a small business owner file for unemployment in Illinois?
Under this expansion, self-employed individuals who would otherwise be unqualified—including sole proprietors, LLCs, independent contractors, and gig workers—may now be able to file a claim. You may qualify for unemployment benefits as a business owner if you have lost income or are unable to work due to COVID-19.
Does the cares Act apply to self-employed?
Independent contractors and self-employed individuals are normally not eligible for unemployment compensation. However, under the CARES Act, such individuals can receive benefits under a special Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program if they qualify.
Are gig workers considered self-employed?
If you are an independent contractor making money from gig work you are considered self-employed. You may be required to make estimated tax payments . Avoid a penalty by making your payments on time .
Can a self-employed person get a PPP loan?
To qualify for a PPP loan, self-employed individuals must meet the following criteria: You were in operation as of February 15, 2020. You are an independent contractor, sole proprietor, or other qualifying business classification with self-employment income. In 2020, you filed a Schedule C or Form 1040.
Will PPP loans be forgiven for self-employed?
For independent contractors, sole proprietors, and other self-employed workers, you can have eight weeks of your loan proceeds automatically forgiven as salary replacement. This should amount to 75% of your PPP loan, assuming you took the maximum amount available to you when you applied.
Can I lay myself off from my own company?
As a business owner, you can qualify for unemployment insurance benefits if you pay yourself a salary or wages in addition to receiving dividends. Even if you pay yourself a wage, you would have to close your business through no fault of your own in order to qualify for unemployment.
What business qualify for CARES Act?
All small businesses with 500 or fewer employees are eligible, including self-employed individuals, sole proprietors, independents contractors, nonprofits, tribes, and veteran organizations. There is a very limited opportunity for larger businesses in certain industries.
Do sole proprietors qualify for CARES Act?
To help businesses stay afloat, the CARES act allows for several benefits: Paycheck protection program, or PPP, provides federally guaranteed, low-percentage loans through the Small Business Administration (SBA) for small businesses, sole proprietors, independent contractors and other self-employed individuals.
Can you claim EITC if self-employed?
Net earnings from self-employment are included in earned income for EITC purposes. It is defined by cross-reference to the definition of net-earnings from self-employment under I.R.C. §1402(a). This ruling applies equally to the EITC.
What’s the difference between self-employed and a gig worker?
Self-employed professionals are defined as having a primary income that comes from independent, client based work. Members of the gig economy, on the other hand, work side gigs such as rideshare driving or freelance writing in addition to maintaining a traditional full-time job.
Can self-employed with no employees get PPP loan?
For sole proprietors or independent contractors with no employees, the maximum possible PPP loan is therefore $20,833, and the entire amount is automatically eligible for forgiveness as owner compensation share.
Do I still qualify for a PPP loan if I started my business in 2020?
If you started a new business in 2020, can you still get a PPP loan? Yes: but only if you were operational on February 15, 2020. Here’s everything you need to know about getting a PPP loan for a new business (and some alternative funding options).