Where to log in and what you need

Connecticut's unemployment system is called CONN-ECT, and you log in through the state Department of Labor website at portal.ct.gov/dolui. You will need your Social Security number and a password you create during your first visit. If you filed a claim by phone or in person, your account was already started — you just need to set up online access.

The login page asks for your Social Security number and password. If you have never logged in before, look for the link that says "Create Account" or "First Time User" — the exact wording changes occasionally, but it will be near the main login box. You will answer security questions and create a password at least 8 characters long, with at least one number and one capital letter.

If you are logging in on a phone or tablet, use the same web address. Connecticut does not have a separate mobile app for unemployment claims, so the website is your only online option.

Key Takeaways

  • Log in at portal.ct.gov/dolui using your Social Security number and a password you create on your first visit.
  • If you filed a claim by phone or mail, your account exists — you just need to set up your password online.
  • Your password must be at least 8 characters and include at least one number and one capital letter.
  • Once logged in, you can check your claim status, view payment history, and report weekly work search activity if your claim requires it.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it using your email address.

What to do if you cannot remember your password

Click "Forgot Password" on the login page. Connecticut will send a reset link to the email address you provided when you created your account. Check your spam or junk folder if you do not see the email within a few minutes. The reset link expires after a set time, so act on it quickly.

If you do not remember the email address you used, or if you never received a confirmation email when you first created your account, you will need to call the Connecticut Department of Labor at 1-833-9CT-LABOR (1-833-928-5226). A representative can verify your identity and help you regain access. Wait times are longest on Mondays and Tuesdays, and the phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

What you can do once you are logged in

Your CONN-ECT account shows your claim status — whether it is pending, approved, or denied. You can see the weekly benefit amount Connecticut determined you are may have access to to receive, and you can view a history of all payments sent to your bank account or debit card. This payment history includes the date each payment was issued and the amount.

If your claim requires you to report work search activity each week, you will see a section labeled "Weekly Claim" or "Continued Claim" where you enter the names of employers you contacted, the dates you contacted them, and how you made contact (phone, email, in person, online process). Connecticut requires most people receiving benefits to report at least three work search contacts per week, though some people are exempt. Your account will tell you whether reporting is required for your claim.

You can also update your contact information, such as your phone number or mailing address, and view any messages from the Department of Labor about your claim.

Troubleshooting login problems

If you enter your Social Security number and password correctly but the system says they are wrong, wait 15 minutes and try again. The system sometimes locks temporarily after a few incorrect attempts. Do not create a new account — this will confuse your existing claim and delay your benefits.

If the website is very slow or will not load at all, try a different web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge). Clear your browser's cache and cookies, then try again. Connecticut's system sometimes has brief outages, usually announced on the Department of Labor's main website. If the outage lasts more than a few hours, call 1-833-928-5226.

If you see an error message that says your claim "cannot be found" or "does not exist," this usually means your claim was never filed, or it was filed under a different name or Social Security number than you are using now. Call the Department of Labor to confirm your claim was received and to find out which name and number are in their system.

Security and protecting your account

Never share your password with anyone, including Department of Labor staff. Connecticut employees will never ask for your password by phone, email, or text. If someone contacts you claiming to be from the Department of Labor and asks for your password, hang up or delete the message and report it to the department at 1-833-928-5226.

Use a password that is unique to your unemployment account — do not use the same password for your bank account, email, or other important accounts. If you think someone else has accessed your account, change your password when ready and call the Department of Labor to report it.

What to do if you filed a claim but cannot find your account online

If you filed a claim by phone or at a Department of Labor office but do not see an account when you try to log in, your claim may still be processing. Connecticut can take up to two weeks to enter a phone claim into the online system. Check back in a few days.

If more than two weeks have passed, call 1-833-928-5226 to confirm the claim was received. Have your Social Security number and the date you filed ready. A representative can tell you whether your claim is in the system and why you cannot see it online. They can also help you create your online account if it exists but has not been activated yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I log in on my phone?

Yes. Go to portal.ct.gov/dolui on any web browser on your phone or tablet. Connecticut does not have a separate app, but the website works on mobile devices. The layout adjusts to fit a smaller screen.

What if I filed a claim but never got an email to create my password?

Check your spam and junk folders first. If you still cannot find it after 24 hours, call 1-833-928-5226. A representative can resend the email or help you create your account over the phone. Have your Social Security number ready.

Do I need to log in every week to get my benefits?

Not automatically. However, if your claim requires weekly work search reporting, you must log in and file your weekly claim by the important date shown in your account, usually Sunday night. If you do not report, your benefits will be delayed or stopped.

What if I see a message saying my claim is denied?

Log in and look for a detailed reason in your claim status or in messages from the Department of Labor. Common reasons include not meeting the earnings requirement, being fired for misconduct, or quitting without good cause. You have the right to appeal a denial. Instructions for appealing are in your account or available by calling 1-833-928-5226.

Can I change my password after I create it?

Yes. Once you are logged in, look for "Account Settings" or "Change Password" — the exact location varies, but it is usually in a menu at the top or bottom of the page. You will need to enter your current password before creating a new one.