Where to log in and what you need

Wisconsin's unemployment system is called UWISys (Unemployment Wisconsin Information System). You log in at https://uisrvs.des.wi.gov, which is the official portal run by the Wisconsin Department of Employee Services. This is the only place to check your claim status, view payment history, report work search activities, or manage your account.

To log in, you will need your Social Security number and the password you created when you first filed your claim. If you do not remember your password, the login page has a "Forgot Password" link that will walk you through resetting it using your email address or phone number on file.

The portal works on most browsers and devices, but Wisconsin recommends using a current version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. If you have trouble logging in on your phone, try a computer or tablet instead — some older mobile browsers do not display the form correctly.

Key Takeaways

  • Log in at https://uisrvs.des.wi.gov using your Social Security number and the password you set up when you filed your claim.
  • If you forgot your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it by email or phone.
  • You can check your claim status, payment history, and work search record from your account dashboard.
  • If you cannot log in after resetting your password, contact the Wisconsin Department of Employee Services by phone or through the portal's help section.

Resetting your password if you do not remember it

Click the "Forgot Password" link on the UWISys login page. You will be asked to enter your Social Security number and either your email address or phone number — whichever one is on file with your claim. Wisconsin will send you a password reset link or code to that contact method.

Check your email inbox or text messages within a few minutes. The reset link usually stays active for 24 hours. Click the link or enter the code, then create a new password. Your new password must be at least 8 characters long and include at least one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number, and one special character (like ! or #).

If you do not receive the reset email or text within 15 minutes, check your spam or junk folder. If it is still not there, try the other contact method (phone instead of email, or vice versa) — you may have registered with a different one than you remember.

What to do if you cannot log in even after resetting your password

If you reset your password and still cannot log in, wait 15 minutes before trying again. Sometimes the system needs a few minutes to update after a password change. Make sure you are typing your Social Security number without dashes (for example, 123456789, not 123-45-6789).

If you still cannot access your account, contact the Wisconsin Department of Employee Services. You can call their customer service line during business hours, or use the "Contact Us" or "Help" link within the UWISys portal itself — this will show you phone numbers and hours specific to your region. Have your Social Security number and the email address or phone number on file ready when you call.

Do not create a new account if you already have one. Creating a second account can delay your payments or cause confusion with your claim. Always use the password reset option instead.

Checking your claim status and payment information

Once you are logged in, your dashboard shows your current claim status (active, inactive, or closed), the week you are claiming for, and whether your most recent payment has been processed. You can view your payment history by clicking the "Payment History" or "Claim Details" section — this shows every payment Wisconsin has sent you, the amount, and the date it was deposited.

If you see a payment marked as "pending" or "processing," it usually means Wisconsin is still reviewing your weekly claim form or verifying your work search activities. Payments typically arrive within 3 to 5 business days after they are approved. If a payment is more than a week overdue, contact the Department of Employee Services to ask whether there is a hold or issue on your claim.

Reporting your work search activities

Wisconsin requires most people receiving unemployment to report their work search activities each week. You do this through your UWISys account by filling out a form that asks how many employers you contacted, what jobs you applied for, and any interviews you had. The form is usually available on your dashboard under "Weekly Claim" or "Work Search Report."

You must report your work search activities by the important date shown on your claim form — usually by the end of the week you are claiming for. If you miss the important date, your payment for that week may be delayed or denied. Keep records of the employers you contacted, dates, and job titles, in case Wisconsin asks you to verify your search activities later.

Updating your contact information or address

If you move, change your phone number, or need to update your email address, log into UWISys and look for a "Profile," "Account Settings," or "Personal Information" section. You can update your mailing address, phone number, and email from there. Changes usually take effect within one business day.

It is important to keep your contact information current because Wisconsin will mail you important notices about your claim, and they may call you if they need to verify information. If you move and do not update your address, you may miss a notice and lose your benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I never created a password when I filed my claim?

You should have been asked to create a password as part of the filing process. If you did not, use the "Forgot Password" link to set one up now. Enter your Social Security number and the email or phone number you used when you filed, and Wisconsin will send you a reset link.

Can I log in on my phone?

Yes, but the mobile experience can be slow or glitchy on some phones. If buttons do not respond or the form does not load, try logging in on a computer instead. The information you see will be the same either way.

Is UWISys the same as the federal PEUC or PUA portals?

No. UWISys is Wisconsin's regular state unemployment portal. If you filed for federal pandemic programs (PEUC or PUA) during 2020 or 2021, those had separate portals. Those programs ended in September 2021, so you would only use UWISys now if you are on regular state unemployment or have reopened a claim.

What if I forgot my Social Security number?

You will need your Social Security number to log in — there is no way around it. If you do not know it, check your Social Security card, tax return, or W-2 form. If you have lost all those documents, contact the Social Security Administration directly to request a replacement card or verification of your number.

How do I know if my claim is still active?

Log into UWISys and check your dashboard. It will show your claim status at the top. If it says "Active," you can still file weekly claims. If it says "Inactive" or "Closed," you cannot file new claims, though you can still view your payment history from past weeks.