How to File for Unemployment in New Hampshire

New Hampshire runs claims through a system called Workforce Connect, and NH Employment Security breaks the sign-up into a literal nine-step wizard, right down to picking security questions you'll need again later, including your mother's maiden name. There's also a live Unemployment Hotline if you'd rather talk to a person than click through the portal.

Updated July 2026

1. 1

   Gather your documents

   Before you start, have your Social Security number, 18 months of employer contact details, and, if applicable, your DD-214 or Alien Registration Number ready.

2. 2

   Register a Workforce Connect account

   From the NHES filing page, click through to Workforce Connect and select 'Create New Account' to set up your login.

3. 3

   Agree to the release terms and set security questions

   Read through the Release of Information and Equal Opportunity statements, then pick security questions — including your mother's maiden name — you'll need again later.

4. 4

   File for benefits and complete the claim form

   From your Workforce Connect dashboard, choose 'File for Benefits,' pick your location, then work through the initial claim application, split into five sections.

5. 5

   Review and certify your claim

   Double-check everything before submitting — inaccurate answers can delay payment — then certify and print your confirmation page.

6. 6

   Meet the weekly work-search requirement

   Unless NHES tells you otherwise, document employer contacts and reemployment activities every week to stay eligible.

Verified against the official New Hampshire unemployment agency site. View source