TN Dept. of Labor issues notice that workers refusing to return to work could lose unemployment benefits

The Tennessee Department of Labor says currently unemployed individuals refusing to return to work if employment is available is in jeopardy of losing their unemployment benefits.

Federal guidelines followed by the state’s department of labor to issue funds in the state compensation program say a person must be able and willing to return to work to receive unemployment benefits. The federal CARES Act is providing provisions for workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, except for workers apprehensive about returning to work due to health concerns or workers laid off that do not qualify for any other unemployment insurance provisions through the state or under the CARES Act.

A full list of eligibility requirements to receive Pandemic Unemployment Assistance can be found below:

*Are diagnosed with COVID-19 or have COVID-19 symptoms and are seeking diagnosis;

*Have a member of the household who is diagnosed with COVID-19;

*Are providing care for a family or household member diagnosed with COVID-19;

*Are the primary caregiver for a child whose school or care facility closed, due to COVID-19;

*Are unable to reach their place of employment due to an imposed quarantine, or because advised by a medical provider to self-quarantine, due to COVID-19;

*Were scheduled to start new employment and cannot reach the workplace as a direct result of COVID-19;

*Became the major breadwinner because the head of household died from COVID-19;

Quit their job as a direct result of COVID-19;

*Had their place of employment closed as a direct result of COVID-19; or

*Meet any additional criteria specified by U.S. Secretary of Labor