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Tennessee Workers' Compensation Requirements
At a glance
The details
5+ FT/PT employees (TN official support doc). Construction & coal mining: coverage required regardless of employee count.
If a claim happens: benefit amounts in Tennessee
7/1/2026-6/30/2027: max $1,488.30/wk (110% of SAWW) per TN official legislative update. Prior year was $1,360.70 Medical: See state agency — benefit structure varies. Death: see state agency. Rate cycle: adjusts 07/01 each year. All states' benefit rates →
FAQ
Do I need workers' compensation in Tennessee?
Yes — once you regularly employ 5 or more employees (full or part-time), Tennessee requires workers' compensation coverage.
What about construction businesses in Tennessee?
Construction has a stricter threshold: coverage is required from 1 employee(s), versus 5 for general businesses.
What if I don't carry required coverage in Tennessee?
Penalties vary by state and can include per-employee per-day fines, stop-work orders, and personal liability for injury claims. Check the official source below for Tennessee's current enforcement posture.
Official source: TN Bureau of Workers' Compensation · Verified 2026-09-08 (official) · Compare all states · Construction rules · Farm rules