Where to log in and what you need

Nebraska's unemployment system is called the SIDES portal (State Information Data Exchange System). You log in at www.neworkforce.nebraska.gov using your Social Security number and a password you create during your first visit. The site is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Before you try to log in, have your Social Security number ready and decide on a password that is at least eight characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numbers. You cannot use your Social Security number as your password, and the system will reject passwords that are too straightforward.

If you are logging in for the first time to file a claim, the system will walk you through creating your account before you can access the process itself. This takes about 10 to 15 minutes. If you are returning to check on an existing claim or file a weekly certification, you go straight to the login page.

Key Takeaways

  • Nebraska's unemployment portal is SIDES, accessed at www.neworkforce.nebraska.gov, and requires your Social Security number and a self-created password.
  • Your password must be at least eight characters and contain uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numbers.
  • First-time users create an account before filing a claim; returning users log in directly to certify weekly or check claim status.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it by email within minutes.
  • The Nebraska Department of Labor's phone line at 1-402-471-2600 can help if you cannot log in or need account recovery.

Creating your account on your first visit

When you arrive at www.neworkforce.nebraska.gov for the first time, click "New User" or "Create Account." The system will ask for your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address. Use an email you check regularly, because Nebraska will send you password reset links and claim updates there.

Next, you will create your password. Write it down or store it in a password manager when ready—do not rely on memory. The system does not show you the password after you create it, and you cannot retrieve it to view later. If you forget it, you will have to reset it using the "Forgot Password" link.

After you set your password, the system will ask security questions (usually about your personal history). Answer these carefully and consistently, because you may be asked to verify them if you ever need to recover your account. Once your account is created, you can log in and begin filing your claim or checking on an existing one.

Logging in to file your weekly certification

If you have already filed an initial claim and are now certifying weekly, log in with your Social Security number and password. The SIDES portal will show you a dashboard with your claim status, remaining balance, and a button to file your weekly certification.

Click the certification link and answer the questions about your work search activities, any work you performed that week, and any income you earned. Nebraska requires you to report job search contacts and any part-time or temporary work. Be honest and specific—the system cross-checks your answers against employer reports and wage records.

You must certify by the important date shown on your dashboard, usually by 11:59 p.m. on a Sunday or Monday depending on your claim start date. If you miss the important date, your payment will be delayed until you certify the following week. The system will not let you certify for a week that has already passed, so do not wait until the last day if you are unsure about your answers.

What to do if you cannot log in

If you see an error message when you try to log in, first check that you are using the correct web address: www.neworkforce.nebraska.gov. Typos in the URL will take you to the wrong site. Clear your browser's cache and cookies, then try again in a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge) to rule out a browser-specific problem.

If you see "Invalid Social Security number" or "Account not found," double-check that you are entering your nine-digit Social Security number without dashes or spaces. The system is strict about format. If you are certain your number is correct and you have created an account before, your account may have been deactivated due to inactivity or a system issue.

If you see "Invalid password," use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page. Enter your Social Security number and email address, and Nebraska will send you a password reset link within a few minutes. Check your spam folder if you do not see the email in your inbox within 10 minutes.

Recovering a forgotten password

Click "Forgot Password" on the SIDES login page. Enter your Social Security number and the email address you used when you created your account. Nebraska will send a password reset link to that email address.

Open the email and click the reset link. You will be taken to a page where you can create a new password. Follow the same rules as before: at least eight characters, with uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numbers. Once you submit the new password, you can log in when ready with it.

If you do not receive the reset email within 10 minutes, check your spam or junk folder. If it is not there, the email address on file may be incorrect. Call the Nebraska Department of Labor at 1-402-471-2600 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time) and ask them to verify or update your email address.

Troubleshooting account lockouts and security holds

If you enter your password incorrectly five times in a row, the SIDES system will lock your account for 30 minutes as a security measure. Wait 30 minutes, then try logging in again. You do not need to do anything else—the lockout lifts automatically.

If your account is locked for a longer period or you see a message about a security hold, it usually means Nebraska's fraud detection system flagged something unusual (such as a login from a new location or device). This is not a penalty. Call 1-402-471-2600 and explain that you are trying to log in. They can verify your identity and unlock your account on the phone, usually within a few minutes.

Do not create a second account if your first one is locked. Multiple accounts can delay your benefits and create confusion in the system. Always call the Department of Labor first.

Using SIDES on a phone or tablet

The SIDES portal works on mobile browsers, but it is not optimized for small screens. If you are using a phone, the text may be small and buttons may be hard to tap. Pinch to zoom in on the page, or rotate your phone to landscape mode to see more of the form at once.

Do not use the SIDES portal on a public or shared computer, especially for tasks like certifying or updating your banking information. If you must use a shared device, log out completely when you are done and clear the browser cache. Better yet, use your own phone or computer at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I log in if I am filing a claim for the first time?

Yes. Go to www.neworkforce.nebraska.gov and click "New User" to create your account. The system will guide you through account setup and then let you file your initial claim. The whole process takes 30 to 45 minutes.

What if I forgot the email address I used when I created my account?

Call the Nebraska Department of Labor at 1-402-471-2600. They can look up your account by Social Security number and update your email address. Once it is updated, you can use the "Forgot Password" link to reset your password and log in.

Do I need to log in every week to get paid, or does the money come automatically?

You must log in and certify every week that you want to receive a payment. The system does not pay automatically. If you do not certify by the important date, your payment is delayed until the week you do certify.

Is the SIDES portal safe to use on public Wi-Fi?

It is safer than many websites because it uses encryption, but public Wi-Fi is never completely find. Avoid logging in from a coffee shop or library if you can. If you must, do not update sensitive information like your banking details on public Wi-Fi.

What should I do if I see a message saying my claim has been denied?

Log in and read the full message—it will explain the reason. Common reasons include not meeting work search requirements or earning too much in a week. The message will also tell you how to appeal or what information to submit. Call 1-402-471-2600 if the message is unclear.