What Uplink Is and Where to Find It

Uplink is Indiana's online portal for unemployment insurance claims. It is run by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD). You use Uplink to file your initial claim, report weekly earnings, upload documents, and check the status of your case.

The portal is at www.uplink.in.gov. You do not need to visit an office or call a phone line to use it — everything happens online. Uplink is available 24 hours a day, though the system does perform maintenance on some nights and weekends, which DWD announces in advance.

If you are filing for the first time, you will create a new account during the filing process. If you have filed before and already have an Uplink account, you log in with your existing username and password.

Key Takeaways

  • Uplink is at www.uplink.in.gov and is the only place to file Indiana unemployment claims online.
  • Your first login requires you to create a username and password when you start your initial claim.
  • You will need your Social Security number, driver's license or state ID number, and information about your most recent job to file.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page — you will answer security questions or receive a reset email.
  • The system may ask you to verify your identity by uploading a photo of your ID or answering questions about your credit history.

Creating Your First Uplink Account

When you file your initial unemployment claim, Uplink walks you through account creation before you reach the login screen. You will choose a username and a strong password. Write down both — you will use them every time you log in after that.

Your username can be an email address or a custom name you create. Many people use their email because it is easier to remember. Your password must be at least 8 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and at least one special character (like ! or @). Uplink will tell you if your password is too weak before you submit it.

After you create your account, you will answer security questions — usually three questions like "What is your mother's maiden name?" or "What was the name of your first pet?" Write down the answers you give. If you forget your password later, Uplink will ask you these same questions to confirm your identity before letting you reset it.

What You Need Before You Log In

Have these documents and information ready before you start. Uplink will ask for them during your first login and claim filing:

  • Your Social Security number
  • Your Indiana driver's license or state ID number (and the expiration date)
  • Your most recent employer's name, address, and phone number
  • The dates you worked there
  • Your reason for separation (laid off, quit, fired, hours reduced, etc.)
  • A current mailing address
  • A phone number where DWD can reach you

If you are filing because you were laid off or your hours were cut, have any separation notice or final paycheck stub available. If you quit or were fired, be ready to explain the circumstances — DWD uses this information to determine whether you are disqualified.

Identity Verification During Login

The first time you log into Uplink, or sometimes after you have not used the system for several weeks, you may be asked to verify your identity. This is a security step to prevent fraud. Uplink offers two main ways to do this.

The first method is uploading a photo of your ID. You will take a picture of the front of your Indiana driver's license or state ID with your phone or camera and upload it through Uplink. The photo must be clear enough to read your name, date of birth, and ID number. This usually takes a few minutes to process.

The second method is answering questions about your credit history. Uplink will ask you details like "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" or "Which of these is a credit card you have held?" You choose the correct answer from multiple options. This happens when ready and does not require uploading anything.

If verification fails, Uplink will tell you why and let you try again. If you cannot verify yourself online, contact the DWD customer service line at 1-800-891-6499 to verify by phone.

Logging In After Your First Time

Once your account exists, logging in is straightforward. Go to www.uplink.in.gov and enter your username and password in the login fields. Click "Sign In."

If you see a message asking you to verify your identity again, follow the steps above. This sometimes happens if you log in from a new device or after a long time away from the system.

After you log in, you will see your dashboard. This shows your claim status, any open issues DWD has flagged, and links to file your weekly claim, upload documents, or view payment history. The dashboard updates throughout the day as DWD processes information.

If You Forget Your Password or Username

On the Uplink login page, click "Forgot Password" or "Forgot Username" depending on what you need. Uplink will ask you to enter your Social Security number or the email address you used when you created your account.

If you chose security questions during account setup, Uplink will ask you to answer them. Answer exactly as you did when you created your account — spelling and capitalization matter. If you answer correctly, Uplink will let you create a new password right away.

If you do not remember your security question answers, Uplink can send a password reset link to your email address instead. Check your email (including spam and junk folders) for a message from DWD. The link in that email works for 24 hours. Click it and create a new password.

If neither method works, call DWD at 1-800-891-6499 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time). Have your Social Security number and ID number ready. A representative can reset your account or help you regain access.

Common Login Problems and How to Fix Them

You see "Invalid username or password." This means Uplink did not recognize the combination you entered. Check that you typed your username and password correctly — they are case-sensitive, meaning capital and lowercase letters matter. If you are sure you typed them right, use the "Forgot Password" link to reset your password.

You see "Your account is locked." This happens after you enter an incorrect password too many times in a row. Wait 30 minutes and try again. If it stays locked, use the "Forgot Password" link or call DWD to unlock it.

The page will not load or keeps timing out. Try a different web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge). Clear your browser's cache and cookies, then try again. If the problem continues, the Uplink system may be down for maintenance — check back in a few hours. DWD posts maintenance notices on the Uplink homepage.

You are asked to verify your identity but you do not have a photo ID or cannot upload a clear picture. Choose the credit history verification option instead. If that does not work either, call DWD at 1-800-891-6499 to verify by phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use Uplink, or can I file by phone or mail?

Indiana requires you to file your initial claim online through Uplink. You cannot file by phone or mail. However, if you have a disability or language barrier that prevents you from using the online system, call DWD at 1-800-891-6499 to discuss alternative arrangements.

What if I do not have an email address to use as my username?

You do not have to use an email address. During account creation, you can choose a custom username instead — for example, your first name and last initial, or any combination of letters and numbers you will remember. Write it down so you do not forget it.

Is Uplink safe? Will my information be stolen?

Uplink uses encryption and security measures to protect your personal information. However, never share your username or password with anyone, including DWD staff. DWD will never ask you for your password via email or phone. If someone contacts you claiming to be from DWD and asks for your password, it is a scam — hang up or delete the message and report it to DWD.

Can I log into Uplink on my phone?

Yes. Uplink works on phones, tablets, and computers. The website adjusts to fit your screen size. You use the same username and password whether you log in on a phone or a computer.

What if I filed a claim years ago and still have my old Uplink account?

You can use your old username and password to log back in. If you forget them, use the "Forgot Password" link. Your old account information is still in the system. However, if your claim ended and you are filing a new claim now, you may need to create a new claim within Uplink — the system will guide you through this when you log in.