Where to log in and what you need

Tennessee's unemployment system is called CONNECT, and you log in through the state's official website at connect.tn.gov. You will need your Social Security number and a password you created when you first registered. If you have not registered yet, you must do that before you can log in — the registration step creates your account and takes about 10 minutes.

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 an error message, the most common cause is a typo in your Social Security number or password. Tennessee's system is case-sensitive for passwords, so check that your caps lock is not on.

You can log in from any device with internet access — a computer, phone, or tablet. The mobile version works the same way as the desktop version, though some people find the full website easier to read on a larger screen.

Key Takeaways

  • Log in at connect.tn.gov using your Social Security number and the password you created during registration.
  • If you have never registered, you must create an account first before you can log in, which you can do on the same website.
  • Password resets are available on the login page if you forget your password — you will need your Social Security number and email address to reset it.
  • Once logged in, you can file weekly claims, check the status of past claims, and view payment history all in one place.

If you forgot your password

On the CONNECT login page, look for the link that says "Forgot Password?" and click it. You will be asked for your Social Security number and the email address you used when you registered. Tennessee will send a password reset link to that email address, and you have 24 hours to click the link and create a new password.

If you do not receive the email within a few minutes, check your spam or junk folder — sometimes password reset emails end up there. If you still cannot find it after 15 minutes, try the reset process again. If the email address you registered with no longer works, you will need to contact the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development by phone at 1-844-224-5818 to verify your identity and update your account.

If you cannot remember your Social Security number or username

Your username in CONNECT is your Social Security number — there is no separate username. If you do not remember your Social Security number, you will need to contact the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development directly. Call 1-844-224-5818 and have your driver's license or state ID ready so they can verify who you are and help you access your account.

The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time. Wait times are usually shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon. You can also visit a local American Job Center in person if you prefer to speak to someone face-to-face — there are locations throughout Tennessee.

What to do if you see an error message

If the system tells you "Invalid Social Security Number or Password," double-check both entries for typos. Remember that passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword". If you are certain both are correct, try the password reset process described above.

If you see a message saying your account is locked, this usually means you entered the wrong password too many times in a row. Wait at least 30 minutes and try again. If your account remains locked after that, use the "Forgot Password?" link to reset it, or call the department at 1-844-224-5818.

If the website itself is not loading or you see a message about system maintenance, the CONNECT system may be temporarily down. Tennessee performs scheduled maintenance on Tuesday and Wednesday nights from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Central Time. Try again after that window closes, or check back the next morning.

What you can do once you are logged in

After you log in, your dashboard shows the status of your current claim and any weeks you still need to file. You can file your weekly claim by answering a few questions about whether you worked, earned money, or had any other changes in your situation that week. Most people can file in under five minutes.

You can also view your payment history, see how much you have been paid and when, and read documents you may need for other purposes. If you need to update your personal information — such as your address or phone number — you can do that in the account settings section.

If you registered but never received a confirmation email

When you first register for CONNECT, Tennessee sends a confirmation email to the address you provided. If you did not receive it, check your spam and junk folders first. If it is not there, wait 24 hours and check again — sometimes emails take longer to arrive.

If you still have not received a confirmation email after 24 hours, you can try logging in anyway using your Social Security number and the password you created. Many people worry they need the confirmation email to proceed, but you usually do not — the email is just a record for your files. If you cannot log in, call 1-844-224-5818 and ask them to resend the confirmation or verify your account manually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I log in on my phone?

Yes. CONNECT works on phones, tablets, and computers. The website automatically adjusts to fit your screen size. Some people find it easier to use on a phone because the buttons are large and the steps are clear, though you may need to scroll more than you would on a desktop.

What if I registered but cannot remember the password I created?

Use the "Forgot Password?" link on the login page. You will need your Social Security number and the email address you registered with. Tennessee will email you a reset link that works for 24 hours. If you do not have access to that email address anymore, call 1-844-224-5818 to update it.

Is it safe to log in on a public computer?

It is safer to log in on your own device, but if you must use a public computer, always log out completely when you are done — do not just close the browser. Never save your password on a public computer. If possible, use a private device at home or a library computer rather than one at a business or shared space.

Can I log in if I am outside Tennessee?

Yes. You can log into CONNECT from anywhere as long as you have internet access. Your location does not matter for logging in or filing claims. However, if you have moved out of state, contact the Tennessee Department of Labor to let them know, because it may affect your claim.

What should I do if my account shows zero weeks available to file?

This usually means you have filed all the weeks that were available under your current claim. You may need to file a new claim if you are still out of work. Log in and look for a button or link that says "File a New Claim" or "Reopen Claim". If you do not see one, call 1-844-224-5818 to ask whether you are still in a benefit year or need to start a new one.