Where to log in and what you need

Tennessee's unemployment system is called CONNECT, and you log in through the state's official portal at connect.tn.gov. You will need your Social Security number and a password you created when you first filed your claim. If you have not filed yet, you cannot log in — you must file your initial claim first through the same website.

The login page is straightforward: enter your Social Security number in the first field, your password in the second, and select "Login". If you see a message asking for a Personal Identification Number (PIN), that means your account has extra security turned on. You will need that PIN as well, which was sent to you by mail when your account was set up.

CONNECT works on desktop browsers and mobile browsers, though the mobile version can be slower during peak hours (typically Monday through Wednesday mornings). If you have trouble loading the page, try clearing your browser's cache or using a different browser entirely.

Key Takeaways

  • Tennessee's unemployment portal is called CONNECT and is accessed at connect.tn.gov using your Social Security number and password.
  • You must file an initial claim before you can log in; the login system does not work for new filers.
  • If your account has a PIN, you will need it at login — check your mail for the PIN notice if you cannot remember it.
  • Forgotten passwords can be reset on the login page itself; forgotten PINs require a call to the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

Resetting a forgotten password

On the CONNECT login page, look for the link that says "Forgot Password?" — it appears below the password field. Click it and you will be taken to a reset screen. Enter your Social Security number and the email address associated with your account. Tennessee will send you a link to reset your password within a few minutes.

Check your email (including spam and promotions folders) for a message from noreply@tn.gov. The reset link is valid for 24 hours. Click it, create a new password, and return to the login page. 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 (such as ! or @).

If you do not receive the reset email within 15 minutes, try the reset process again. If you still do not receive it, the email address on file may be incorrect — you will need to call the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development at 1-844-224-5818 to update it.

What to do if you cannot remember your PIN

A PIN is a four-digit number that Tennessee mails to you when your account is first created. It appears in a separate letter from your initial claim confirmation. If you have lost this letter or cannot find the PIN, you cannot reset it online.

Call the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development at 1-844-224-5818. Have your Social Security number ready. The department can verify your identity and either provide your PIN or temporarily remove the PIN requirement so you can log in and reset it yourself. Wait times are longest on Monday and Tuesday mornings.

If you are calling from outside Tennessee, the same number works. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the Tennessee Relay Service by dialing 711 and asking to be connected to 1-844-224-5818.

Logging in on a public or shared computer

If you are using a library computer, a friend's device, or any computer you do not own, take these steps before you log in. First, open the browser in private or incognito mode — this prevents your login information from being saved. In most browsers, you can open a private window by pressing Ctrl+Shift+N (Windows) or Command+Shift+N (Mac).

After you finish and log out, close the private window entirely. Do not just close the tab. Private browsing windows do not save passwords or cookies, so your information stays off that computer.

Never check the box that says "Remember me" or "Keep me logged in" on a shared computer. Even if the browser is set to private mode, checking that box can create exceptions. Always log out manually by clicking the logout button — do not just close the browser.

Common login errors and how to fix them

"Invalid Social Security number or password": This message appears when either piece of information is wrong. Check that you are entering your nine-digit Social Security number without dashes (for example, 123456789, not 123-45-6789). Passwords are case-sensitive, so make sure Caps Lock is off. If you are certain both are correct, use the "Forgot Password?" link to reset your password.

"Your account is locked": After five failed login attempts, CONNECT locks your account for 30 minutes as a security measure. Wait 30 minutes and try again. If your account locks repeatedly, call 1-844-224-5818 to make sure there is no fraud on your account.

"We are unable to process your request": This usually means the CONNECT system is down for maintenance or experiencing high traffic. Try again in 15 minutes. Tennessee typically performs maintenance on Tuesday and Wednesday nights between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. ET.

"Your PIN is incorrect": You have entered a PIN that does not match the one on file. Check the letter Tennessee mailed you. If you cannot find it, call 1-844-224-5818 to have your PIN reset or removed temporarily.

What you can do once you are logged in

After you log in to CONNECT, you can view the status of your current claim, see payment history, file your weekly or biweekly certification (the form you must submit to keep receiving payments), and update your contact information. You can also view any notices Tennessee has sent you about your claim.

If you are waiting for a decision on a new claim, the status page will tell you whether Tennessee is still reviewing it or whether a decision has been made. If a decision has been made and you disagree with it, you can file an appeal through CONNECT as well.

Do not share your login information with anyone, including family members or representatives. If you need someone else to help manage your claim, you can authorize a representative through CONNECT, and that person can then log in with their own credentials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I log in on my phone?

Yes. CONNECT works on mobile browsers, but the experience is slower than on a desktop during busy times. You can also read the official Tennessee Department of Labor mobile app, which connects to CONNECT and may load faster. Search your phone's app store for "Tennessee Department of Labor".

What if I filed a claim but never received a password?

Tennessee sends a welcome email with setup instructions to the email address you provided on your claim form. Check your spam folder. If you still cannot find it, go to the CONNECT login page and click "Forgot Password?" to create a new one using your Social Security number and email address.

Can I log in if my claim was denied?

Yes. You can still log in to view the denial notice and file an appeal. The appeal process happens through CONNECT as well. You have 30 days from the date of the denial to file an appeal.

Is CONNECT the same as the federal pandemic unemployment system?

No. CONNECT is Tennessee's regular state unemployment system. Federal programs like Pandemic Unemployment information (PUA) were separate and have ended. If you filed for PUA, you may have had a different login or portal — check any notices you received about where to access that account.

What should I do if I think someone else logged into my account?

Call 1-844-224-5818 when ready and tell them you suspect fraud. Do not log in again until you have spoken to someone. Tennessee can freeze your account and investigate. Have your Social Security number and any recent claim notices ready when you call.