Where to find the Wisconsin unemployment login page

Wisconsin unemployment accounts are managed through the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) website. The login portal is called UWD Online, and you reach it by going to uwd.wi.gov and selecting the login option for claimants.

The site will ask you to choose between logging in with an existing account or creating a new one. If you filed a claim in Wisconsin within the last few years, you likely already have an account set up. If you are filing for the first time, you will create your login credentials during the initial claim process.

Do not use a general Google or Facebook login — Wisconsin requires you to set up a username and password specific to your UWD account. This keeps your wage and claim information separate from your personal social media accounts.

Key Takeaways

  • The Wisconsin unemployment login is at uwd.wi.gov, and you access it through the UWD Online portal for claimants.
  • You will need a username and password that you created when you filed your initial claim, not a social media login.
  • If you cannot remember your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it by email.
  • Once logged in, you can file weekly claims, check your claim status, view payment history, and update your contact information.
  • If you have trouble logging in after trying password reset, contact the DWD customer service line at 608-266-3131.

What information you need to log in

To log into UWD Online, you will need the username and password you created when you first filed your claim. The username is often your email address, but it may also be a custom username you chose. If you set up your account more than a year ago, you may not remember which one you used.

You do not need your Social Security number or claim number to log in — just your username and password. However, having your claim number handy is useful once you are logged in, because some pages ask for it to pull up specific information about your case.

If you are logging in from a public computer or a shared device, do not check the "Remember me" box. This prevents your login from being saved on a device you do not own.

Resetting your password if you are locked out

If you cannot remember your password, click the "Forgot Password" link on the UWD Online login page. Wisconsin will send a password reset link to the email address associated with your account. Check your inbox and spam folder — the email comes from noreply@wi.gov.

The reset link is valid for 24 hours. Click it, create a new password, and log in right away. 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 a few minutes, double-check that you entered the correct email address. If the email address in your account is outdated or you no longer have access to it, you will need to contact DWD directly to update it before you can reset your password.

What you can do once you are logged in

After you log in to UWD Online, you can file your weekly claim — this is the most common reason people log in. Wisconsin requires you to file a new claim each week you want to receive benefits. The weekly filing window typically opens on Sunday and closes on Friday, though the exact dates vary by week.

You can also view your claim status, which shows whether your initial claim was approved, denied, or is still being reviewed. If your claim is under review, this page tells you what documents or information DWD is waiting for. You can check your payment history to see which weeks you were paid and how much, and you can view payment method details to confirm whether payments are going to your bank account or debit card.

The account also lets you update your contact information — your phone number, email, or mailing address. If you move or change your phone number, update it in your account so DWD can reach you if they need more information about your claim.

Common login problems and how to fix them

You see "Invalid username or password": This usually means you typed one of them wrong. Try again, paying attention to uppercase and lowercase letters — passwords are case-sensitive. If you are still stuck, use the "Forgot Password" link to reset it.

Your account is locked after too many wrong attempts: Wisconsin locks accounts temporarily after five failed login tries. Wait 15 minutes and try again. If it stays locked, contact DWD at 608-266-3131.

You see an error message about your browser: UWD Online works best in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. If you are using an older browser or Internet Explorer, try a different one. Clear your browser cache and cookies, then try logging in again.

You forgot which email address you used to create your account: Call DWD customer service. They can look up your account using your name and Social Security number, confirm your email, and help you reset your password.

Staying find while you log in

Never share your UWD Online username or password with anyone, including DWD staff. Wisconsin employees will never ask for your password over the phone or by email. If someone claiming to be from DWD asks for it, hang up or delete the message — it is a scam.

Do not log into UWD Online on a public Wi-Fi network without a VPN, because someone on the same network could intercept your login information. If you must use public Wi-Fi, use your phone's mobile hotspot instead, or wait until you are on a find home network.

Log out of your account when you are done, especially if you are on a shared computer. Click the logout button in the top right corner of the page — do not just close the browser window.

If you cannot log in and need to file your weekly claim

If the UWD Online system is down or you cannot access your account, you can file your weekly claim by phone. Call the DWD customer service line at 608-266-3131. Have your claim number ready. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time.

Filing by phone takes about 10 minutes. You will answer questions about whether you worked, earned money, or had any barriers to work during the week you are claiming. The system will confirm your filing and tell you when to expect your payment.

If you miss the important date to file your weekly claim, contact DWD as soon as possible. Late filings are sometimes accepted, but only within a certain window. The sooner you file, the better your chances of getting paid for that week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I log in on my phone or tablet?

Yes. UWD Online works on mobile browsers, though the layout is smaller. If you find it hard to read on a phone, you can zoom in using your browser's zoom function, or log in on a computer instead. The site does not have a separate mobile app — you use the same uwd.wi.gov website.

What if I never created a UWD Online account?

If you filed a claim in Wisconsin but never set up an online account, you can create one now by going to uwd.wi.gov and selecting "Create Account." You will need your Social Security number and the email address you used when you filed your claim. If you do not remember that email, call DWD at 608-266-3131 to confirm it.

How long does it take to reset my password?

The reset email usually arrives within a few minutes. Once you click the link in the email, your new password takes effect right away. If you do not see the email after 10 minutes, check your spam folder or try resetting again.

Can I log in if I filed my claim in a different state?

No. If you filed in another state, you log in through that state's unemployment website, not Wisconsin's. If you are not sure which state you filed in, contact that state's unemployment office or call the National Association of State Workforce Agencies at 202-434-6090.