How Unemployment Benefits Work in Minnesota

The Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program is administered by the Department of Employment and Economic Development. The program provides temporary financial support for unemployed workers who have suffered job loss through no fault of their own.

Minnesota UI benefits are funded through a tax paid by employers. This unemployment insurance program helps ease the financial burden of unemployment on individuals, families, communities, and the overall Minnesota economy.

Minnesota Unemployment Services

Am I Eligible for Unemployment Benefits in Minnesota?

Minnesota residents who meet the following criteria generally are deemed eligible for Minnesota unemployment benefits:

• Have sufficient earnings during the base period for review

• Legally authorized to work in the U.S. If a claimant is not a U.S. citizen, they must be able to present appropriate authorization to work

• Unemployed, or working substantially reduced hours, through no fault of the claimant

• Be able and available to accept suitable work whenever it is offered

No eligibility determinations can be made until the initial unemployment claim is submitted and reviewed. If a claimant is unemployed for any reason other than the employer’s lack of work, Minnesota law requires that a formal process be followed to determine whether you are eligible for any UI benefit.

Benefit Payments and Duration

How To Apply for Unemployment Benefits in Minnesota

You can apply for unemployment insurance benefits either online or by phone using Minnesota’s self-service system. The online Applicant Self-Service System is the fastest and easiest way to apply for UI benefits and to manage your account on an ongoing basis. Once you set up your account, you can follow the step-by-step instructions to submit your initial unemployment claim.

An automated phone option, offering English, Spanish, Hmong, and Somali languages is also available Sunday-Friday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

To apply by phone, use any of the following numbers:

• Twin Cities area: 651-296-3644

• Greater Minnesota: 877-898-9090

• TTY (for the deaf and hard of hearing): 866-814-1252

Managing Your Minnesota Unemployment Benefits

To continue receiving unemployment compensation regularly, you will be required to complete a weekly certification to collect your weekly unemployment payment. You can submit this weekly request online or over the phone by using the self-service system at the numbers listed above.

You can complete your weekly certification in just a few steps:

• Log in to your existing account

• Select “Request a Benefit Payment”

• Answer the questions about the prior one-week time period, which will allow the state of Minnesota to determine your continued eligibility for supplemental unemployment benefits. Report any hours you worked or any income you earned from any job, including part-time work and self-employment.

How Do I Appeal a Decision?

Minnesota UI benefits law provides for a fair and impartial hearing for any party who disagrees with a determination issued by the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program, including both the employee and the Minnesota employer.

If you are unhappy with a particular determination regarding your claim, you may file your appeal online, mail it, or fax it within the timeframe outlined in your determination letter.

To file an appeal online, log into your account, select the decision you disagree with, and follow the instructions for appeal. You also may apply in writing by the methods outlined below:

Fax: 651-205-4007

Mail:
P.O. Box 4629
St. Paul, MN 55101-4629

Please note that if you file an appeal by fax or mail, you must include the following information:

• Your name

• Detailed reasoning for the appeal

• Issue ID for your claim

• Social Security number

How Do I Report Fraud?

The best way to report unemployment fraud and identity theft in Minnesota is to do so within your online account by selecting “Suspected Fraudulent Activity under Other Issues.” The state of Minnesota will review the information and take all appropriate immediate next steps to resolve the issue.

You also may report fraud concerns using the state of Minnesota’s online fraud form.

Minnesota Unemployment Office Locations