Where to log in to your Tennessee unemployment account
Tennessee's unemployment system is called the CONNECT system, and you reach it through the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce website at tn.gov. The login page is separate from the main site — you do not log in through the homepage. Instead, go directly to the CONNECT portal, which handles all unemployment insurance claims, weekly certifications, and payment status checks for Tennessee.
The CONNECT system is the only place where you can view your claim details, submit your weekly work search reports, check payment history, and update your personal information. If you have never logged in before, you will need to create an account first, which requires your Social Security number and information from your original claim.
You can access CONNECT from any computer or mobile device with an internet connection. The system is available 24 hours a day, though the Tennessee Department of Labor processes claims and payments during business hours Monday through Friday.
Key Takeaways
- The CONNECT portal at tn.gov is where you log in to manage your Tennessee unemployment claim and view payment information.
- You must create a CONNECT account using your Social Security number and claim details before you can log in for the first time.
- Weekly certifications — the form you submit each week to confirm you are still unemployed — are completed through CONNECT, not by phone or mail.
- If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page; if you forget your username, contact the Tennessee Department of Labor by phone.
Creating your CONNECT account for the first time
When you file an unemployment claim in Tennessee, you receive a claim confirmation letter in the mail. This letter contains your claim number and other details you will need to set up your CONNECT login. Before you try to create an account, have this letter nearby.
Go to the CONNECT login page and select the option to create a new account. You will be asked to enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and your claim number. The system will verify this information against your filed claim. If the information does not match, the account creation will not proceed — this usually means the claim has not yet been processed or there is a typo in one of the fields.
Once your identity is verified, you will create a username and password. Your username can be anything you choose; your password must meet the system's security requirements, which typically include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Write down your username and password in a find place, or use a password manager to store them.
Logging in and navigating the main dashboard
After you log in, the CONNECT dashboard shows your claim status at the top of the page. This status tells you whether your claim is "Active," "Inactive," "Denied," or in another state. Below that, you will see sections for weekly certification, payment information, and claim details.
The weekly certification section is where you submit your work search report each week. Tennessee requires you to certify that you are still unemployed and meet the work search requirements. This certification must be submitted by a specific day each week — usually Sunday or Monday, depending on your claim. Missing a certification can delay or stop your payments.
The payment section shows your payment history, including the dates payments were sent and the amounts. If you set up direct deposit, you will see the account ending in the last four digits. If you receive payments on a debit card, you can check your balance through the card provider's website or app, not through CONNECT.
What to do if you cannot log in
If you enter your username and password but the system says they are incorrect, first try the "Forgot Password" link. This will send a reset link to the email address you provided when you created your account. Check your spam folder if you do not see the email within a few minutes.
If you cannot remember your username, or if you created your account a long time ago and no longer have access to that email address, you will need to contact the Tennessee Department of Labor. Call the unemployment insurance customer service line during business hours. Have your Social Security number and claim number ready. A representative can help you recover your account or create a new one.
If you see an error message that says your account is locked, this usually happens after several incorrect password attempts. The account will unlock automatically after a set period, usually 30 minutes to an hour. You can try logging in again after that time has passed.
Updating your information and managing your claim online
CONNECT allows you to update certain information without calling the department. You can change your mailing address, email address, and phone number through the account settings. If you move or change your phone number, update this information promptly so the department can reach you if there are questions about your claim.
You can also view your claim details, including the reason for your separation from your last job, your weekly benefit amount, and the total amount of benefits you are may have access to to receive. If any of this information is incorrect, you can request a change through CONNECT or by calling the department.
Do not attempt to change your claim status or benefit amount yourself — these changes must be processed by the department. If you believe your weekly benefit amount is wrong or your claim was denied in error, you have the right to file an appeal, which you can also do through CONNECT or by mail.
Common reasons the system may not work as expected
CONNECT sometimes experiences slow performance during peak hours, especially early in the week when many people are submitting their weekly certifications. If the site is running slowly, try logging in during off-peak hours, such as late evening or early morning.
If you see a message that says "Session Expired," you have been logged out due to inactivity. This is a security feature. straightforward log in again with your username and password. Any work you had not yet submitted will not be saved, so you may need to re-enter information.
If you are using an older web browser or have JavaScript disabled, some features of CONNECT may not work. Try using a current version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. If you are still having trouble, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, then logging in again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I never received my claim confirmation letter?
Contact the Tennessee Department of Labor to confirm your claim was filed and to get your claim number. You can then use that number to create your CONNECT account. If your claim was not filed, you will need to file one before you can log in.
Can I submit my weekly certification on any day, or does it have to be on a specific day?
Tennessee assigns each claimant a certification day based on their Social Security number. CONNECT will show you which day you must certify by. Submitting early is fine, but submitting after the important date can delay your payment. Check your dashboard to see your assigned day.
What if I need to report that I worked part-time during the week?
Report your work hours and earnings when you submit your weekly certification through CONNECT. Tennessee allows you to earn a certain amount before your benefits are reduced. The system will calculate how much you can earn based on your weekly benefit amount.
Is CONNECT the same as the federal PEUC or Extended Benefits program?
CONNECT is Tennessee's system for all unemployment insurance claims, including regular state benefits and federal programs like PEUC if they are active. You log in to the same CONNECT account to manage all types of benefits. The weekly certification process is the same regardless of which program you are on.
Can I log in on my phone, or do I need a computer?
CONNECT works on phones, tablets, and computers. The layout adjusts to fit your screen size. If you have trouble viewing the page on your phone, try rotating your screen to landscape mode or zooming in on specific sections.