Where to log in and what you need

Tennessee's unemployment system is called CONNECT, and you reach it through a dedicated login portal at connect.tn.gov. This is where you file weekly claims, check your claim status, view payment history, and update your contact information. You will need either a username and password you created during your initial claim, or you can use your Social Security number and date of birth if you are logging in for the first time.

The CONNECT system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are having trouble remembering your password, the login page has a "Forgot Password" link that will walk you through resetting it using your email address. If you do not have an account yet because you have not filed a claim, you will need to file your initial claim before you can log in to check status or file weekly certifications.

Tennessee also offers a phone line for people who cannot or prefer not to use the online system. You can call the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development at 1-833-674-8378 to file claims by phone or ask questions about your account, though wait times can be long during peak periods.

Key Takeaways

  • Log in to CONNECT at connect.tn.gov using your username and password, or your Social Security number and date of birth on your first visit.
  • You must file an initial claim before you can access CONNECT; the system is not available for login until your claim is processed.
  • Weekly certifications are filed through CONNECT and must be submitted by the important date shown on your claim to keep benefits flowing.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it through your email address.
  • Tennessee's phone line at 1-833-674-8378 is available if you need help or cannot use the online system, though wait times vary.

What to do if you cannot remember your login information

If you remember your username but not your password, click "Forgot Password" on the connect.tn.gov login page. You will be asked to enter your username and the email address associated with your account. Tennessee will send a password reset link to that email. Click the link, create a new password, and you can log in when ready.

If you do not remember your username either, you have two options. First, try logging in with your Social Security number instead of a username — the system accepts both. If that does not work, call 1-833-674-8378 and a representative can look up your account and help you reset both your username and password. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready when you call.

Filing your weekly certification after you log in

Once you are logged into CONNECT, you will see a dashboard showing your claim status and any certifications that are due. Weekly certifications are the forms you submit each week to confirm you are still unemployed and to report any wages you earned that week. Tennessee requires most claimants to certify weekly, and the important date is typically Sunday at 11:59 p.m., though your specific important date may differ based on your claim.

To file your weekly certification, click on the certification that shows as due. You will answer questions about whether you worked, whether you refused any job offers, and whether you attended any training or job search activities. Answer honestly — misreporting your work or job search activity can result in overpayment notices and penalties. After you submit, you will see a confirmation number on screen. Write it down or take a screenshot.

If you miss the important date, your benefits will stop until you file the late certification. You can file late certifications through CONNECT, but there may be a delay in payment. It is better to file on time each week than to fall behind.

Checking your payment status and payment method

After you log in, you can see the status of each week's certification and when payment is expected. Tennessee deposits unemployment benefits onto a debit card issued by the state, or directly into your bank account if you provided banking information during your claim. You can view your payment history in CONNECT to see which weeks have been paid and which are pending.

If you chose the debit card option, the card is issued by a third-party processor and arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after your first payment is approved. You can check the status of your card in CONNECT or call the card issuer's customer service number, which is printed on the back of the card once it arrives. If you want to switch from the debit card to direct deposit, you can update your payment method in CONNECT under your account settings.

Updating your contact information and address

Your contact information — phone number, email address, and mailing address — is used by Tennessee to send you notices about your claim, payment changes, and any issues that need your attention. If you move or change your phone number, update it in CONNECT as soon as possible so you do not miss important mail or calls.

To update your information, log into CONNECT, go to your account settings or profile section, and edit the fields that have changed. Save your changes. If you are unsure where to find the settings section, call 1-833-674-8378 and a representative can walk you through it or update the information for you over the phone.

What to do if CONNECT is down or you cannot log in

CONNECT is maintained regularly and occasionally goes offline for updates. If you see an error message saying the system is unavailable, check back in a few minutes. Tennessee usually schedules maintenance outside business hours, but unplanned outages do happen. If the system is down and your weekly certification important date is approaching, you can file by phone at 1-833-674-8378 instead.

If you can log in but see an error when you try to file your certification or view your claim, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, then log in again. If the problem persists, call the phone line. Do not wait until the important date to call — contact Tennessee as soon as you notice a problem so they have time to help you file before the important date passes.

Understanding your claim status in CONNECT

When you log in, CONNECT shows your claim status at the top of the page. Common statuses include "Active" (your claim is approved and you are filing certifications), "Pending" (your claim is being reviewed), "Ineligible" (you do not meet Tennessee's requirements), and "Exhausted" (you have received all the weeks of benefits your claim allows). The status will tell you whether you can file certifications and whether you are receiving payments.

If your status is "Pending," your claim is still being processed. This usually takes 1 to 3 weeks. During this time, you can still log in and file weekly certifications, but you will not receive payment until the claim is approved. If your status is "Ineligible," there is a reason listed on your claim page. Read it carefully. You may be able to appeal the decision by following the instructions on the same page, or you can call 1-833-674-8378 to ask questions about why you were found ineligible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file my weekly certification on the same day it is due, or do I have to file it earlier?

You can file your weekly certification any time during the week it is due, including on the important date day itself, as long as you submit it before 11:59 p.m. on Sunday (or your specific important date). However, filing early is safer in case you run into technical problems or forget. Many people file on the same day they receive their previous week's payment.

What happens if I log in and see a message saying I owe money back?

This is an overpayment notice, which means Tennessee determined you received benefits you were not may have access to to. Read the notice carefully to understand the reason. You can appeal the overpayment decision, or you can contact 1-833-674-8378 to discuss a repayment plan. Do not ignore the notice — Tennessee will pursue collection if you do not respond.

Do I need to create a new CONNECT account if I file a claim in a different year?

No. Your CONNECT account remains active as long as you have an open or recent claim with Tennessee. If you file a new claim in a later year, you log in with the same username and password. Your old claim history will still be visible in the system.

Can I log in to CONNECT on my phone or tablet?

Yes. CONNECT works on mobile browsers, though the layout may be smaller. You can file your weekly certification, check your status, and update your information from any device with internet access. Some people find it easier to use a computer for the initial setup, then use their phone for weekly certifications.

What should I do if I see fraudulent activity on my CONNECT account?

Contact Tennessee when ready at 1-833-674-8378 and explain what you saw. Do not change your password until you speak to a representative, as they may need to investigate. If someone filed a claim in your name without your permission, this is identity theft and you should also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at reportidentitytheft.ftc.gov.