Where to log in and what you need

Connecticut's unemployment system uses a single online portal called CONN-ECT (Connecticut Employment Security Digital Experience). You log in at portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Unemployment using your Social Security number and a password you create during your first visit. The system is run by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's Division of Employment Security, which handles all unemployment insurance claims for the state.

Before you try to log in, have your Social Security number ready. If you've never used the portal before, the system will walk you through creating a password. If you've already filed a claim and set up an account, use the same credentials each time you return.

The portal works on desktop browsers and mobile devices. Connecticut does not have a separate app — you access everything through the web portal on any device with internet access.

Key Takeaways

  • Log in at portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Unemployment using your Social Security number and a password you create on your first visit.
  • Once logged in, you can file a new claim, check the status of an existing claim, view payment history, and update your contact information.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page — Connecticut will send a reset link to your email.
  • The portal is available 24 hours a day, but the Division of Employment Security's phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

What you can do after logging in

Once you're in the portal, you can file a new unemployment claim, check on a claim you've already started, and view details about payments you've received. The system shows your weekly benefit amount, the dates you're claiming for, and whether each week has been processed or is still pending.

You can also update your contact information — your phone number, email address, and mailing address — without calling the office. If you need to report that you've returned to work or that your circumstances have changed, you can do that through the portal as well. The system will ask you questions about your work status and income each week when you file your weekly claim.

The portal also displays any documents the Division of Employment Security has sent you, such as information letters or requests for additional information. If the state needs something from you, you'll see a message in the portal telling you what's needed and when you need to provide it.

Password reset and account recovery

If you forget your password, click the "Forgot Password" link on the login page. Connecticut will send a password reset link to the email address on file for your account. Follow the link in that email to create a new password. The reset link expires after a set time, so check your email promptly.

If you don't receive the reset email, check your spam or junk folder — sometimes password reset emails end up there. If you still can't find it after checking spam, you can contact the Division of Employment Security by phone at 1-203-500-2300 (toll-free: 1-866-500-2300) during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They can help you regain access to your account.

If you've never created an account before and need help setting one up, the same phone line can walk you through the process, though it's usually faster to do it yourself on the portal.

Common login problems and how to fix them

The most common issue is entering your Social Security number in the wrong format. Connecticut's system expects your nine-digit Social Security number with no dashes or spaces — just the nine digits in a row. If you're getting an error message saying your credentials don't match, double-check that you've typed your number correctly with no extra characters.

If you're certain your Social Security number and password are correct but you still can't log in, it's possible your account hasn't been fully set up yet. This can happen if you recently filed a claim but haven't completed all the steps. Try logging in again after a few hours, or contact the Division of Employment Security to confirm your account is active.

If the portal itself is slow or not loading, it may be experiencing high traffic. Connecticut's system is busiest on Monday mornings and right after a major policy change or benefit expansion. Try again later in the day or on a different day if you're not in a rush. The portal is available 24 hours a day, so you can log in at any time that works for you.

What to do if you can't reach the portal

If the portal is down for maintenance or you're unable to access it for technical reasons, you can still file a weekly claim by phone. Call the Division of Employment Security at 1-203-500-2300 (toll-free: 1-866-500-2300) during business hours. You'll need your Social Security number and information about the week you're claiming for — the dates you worked, any income you earned, and whether you looked for work.

You can also mail a paper claim form to the Division of Employment Security, though this takes longer and is not recommended unless you have no other way to file. The portal is the fastest and most reliable way to file your weekly claim and check your account status.

Connecticut also has a text-based system for filing weekly claims. If you've set up your account and received a text message from the state about filing, you can reply to that message with your weekly information. Not all claimants have access to this option, so check your account or call the office to see if it's available to you.

Protecting your account and personal information

Your CONN-ECT account contains sensitive information — your Social Security number, payment history, and work details. Never share your password with anyone, including state employees. The Division of Employment Security will never ask you for your password by phone, email, or text message.

When you log in, make sure you're on the official Connecticut portal at portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Unemployment. Scams sometimes use fake login pages that look similar to the real one. Check the web address in your browser's address bar before you enter your credentials. If you're unsure whether a link is real, go directly to the official Connecticut DEEP website and find the unemployment link from there.

If you think someone else has accessed your account, change your password when ready and call the Division of Employment Security to report it. They can review your account activity and help you find it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don't have an email address to receive a password reset?

You'll need an email address to use the online portal. If you don't have one, you can create a free email account through Gmail, Yahoo, or another provider. Once you have an email address, you can set up your CONN-ECT account. If you're unable to do this, call the Division of Employment Security at 1-203-500-2300 to file by phone instead.

Can I log in on my phone?

Yes. The CONN-ECT portal works on smartphones and tablets. Open your mobile browser, go to portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Unemployment, and log in with your Social Security number and password. The layout adjusts for smaller screens, though some people find it easier to use a computer for detailed tasks like reviewing payment history.

How long does it take to process a claim after I file it online?

Processing time depends on whether your claim is straightforward or requires additional review. straightforward claims may be processed within a few days; others take one to two weeks. You can check the status in the portal — it will show whether your claim is pending, approved, or if the state needs more information from you.

What if the portal says my claim was denied?

If you see a denial message in the portal, read the reason carefully — it will explain why. Common reasons include earning too much income, quitting your job without good cause, or not meeting work search requirements. You have the right to appeal a denial. The portal or your information letter will explain how to file an appeal and the important date for doing so.

Is there a way to file a claim without using the online portal?

Yes. You can file by phone at 1-203-500-2300 (toll-free: 1-866-500-2300) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can also mail a paper claim form, though this is slower. The online portal is the fastest option and available 24 hours a day.