Where to file and what you need before you start

Minnesota unemployment benefits are filed through the state's Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). You can file online at uimn.org, by phone at 1-888-337-8436, or in person at a local workforce center. The online portal is fastest — most people complete it in 15 to 20 minutes.

Before you file, gather your Social Security number, driver's license or state ID, and information about your last job: the employer's name, address, phone number, and the dates you worked there. If you were laid off or fired, have a brief description of what happened. If you quit, be ready to explain why. You will also need your bank account details if you want benefits deposited directly instead of sent by debit card.

File as soon as you stop working or have your hours cut. Benefits are backdated to the week you became jobless, but only if you file within a certain window. The sooner you file, the sooner payments begin.

Key Takeaways

  • File online at uimn.org, by phone at 1-888-337-8436, or at a local workforce center within one week of losing work or having hours cut.
  • You will need your Social Security number, ID, last employer's contact information, and bank account details for direct deposit.
  • Minnesota requires you to earn at least $1,300 in the past 12 months and be unemployed through no fault of your own to receive benefits.
  • After you file, DEED will contact your employer to verify the reason you left work, which typically takes one to two weeks.
  • Payments arrive by debit card or direct deposit within 7 to 10 business days of approval, and you must report your work search activities weekly.

The online filing process step by step

Go to uimn.org and select "File for Unemployment Insurance" on the homepage. You will create a login account using your email address and a password. The system will ask for your Social Security number and date of birth to verify your identity.

Next, enter your personal information: full name, address, phone number, and citizenship status. Then provide details about your last job — employer name, address, phone number, job title, and the dates you worked there. The system will ask why you are no longer employed. Choose the option that matches your situation: laid off, reduction in hours, quit, or fired. If you quit or were fired, write a brief explanation in the text box provided.

You will then enter your bank account information for direct deposit, or choose to receive a debit card by mail. Review all your answers before submitting. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation number — save this for your records.

What happens after you file

DEED will send you a letter confirming receipt of your claim within three to five business days. This letter includes your claim number and instructions for next steps. At the same time, DEED contacts your employer to verify the reason you left work. Your employer has about 10 days to respond.

If your employer says you quit without good cause or were fired for misconduct, DEED will contact you to ask your side of the story. This is called a fact-finding interview. You can do this by phone or in writing. Be honest and specific — explain what happened and why you left or were let go. If there is a disagreement, both you and your employer can appeal the decision later.

Once DEED has all the information, they will make a information and send you a letter saying whether you are approved or denied. If approved, your first payment arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Weekly work search requirements and reporting

Minnesota requires you to search for work each week you receive benefits. You must make at least three work search contacts per week — that means explore for jobs, calling employers, attending interviews, or registering with a staffing agency. Keep a record of what you did, when, and who you contacted.

Each week, you will file a weekly claim through the same uimn.org portal. This takes about five minutes. You confirm that you are still unemployed, report any income you earned that week, and certify that you completed your work search. If you do not file your weekly claim, you do not receive a payment that week.

If you find work or your hours are restored, report this when ready in your weekly claim. Benefits stop the week you return to work, even if it is part-time. If you earn money while collecting benefits, your payment is reduced by a portion of what you earned.

How much you receive and how long it lasts

Minnesota calculates your weekly benefit amount based on your earnings in the past 12 months. The state divides your total earnings by 52 weeks and pays you about 50 percent of that average, up to a maximum of $863 per week as of 2024. The actual amount varies depending on what you earned.

Benefits last up to 26 weeks in a standard year. If unemployment is very high statewide, the federal government may extend this to 39 weeks. You can check current extension status on the DEED website. Once your 26 weeks (or extended period) end, you must reapply if you are still unemployed.

Your first payment is smaller than later ones because it covers only a partial week. After that, payments arrive weekly on the same day, usually by direct deposit or debit card.

If your claim is denied

If DEED denies your claim, the letter will explain why. Common reasons include not meeting the earnings requirement, being fired for misconduct, or quitting without good cause. You have 30 days from the date on the letter to appeal the decision.

To appeal, file a written request with DEED stating that you disagree with the decision and why. Include any documents that support your case — emails, witness statements, or records of your work history. DEED will schedule a hearing before an administrative law judge. You can attend by phone and present your side of the story. Your employer can also attend and present theirs. The judge will make a final decision, which you can appeal further to the Minnesota Court of Appeals if needed.

Reporting changes and keeping your benefits

Tell DEED when ready if anything changes: you find work, your address changes, you go back to school, or you move out of state. Failing to report changes can result in overpayment, which you will have to repay.

If you receive benefits you were not supposed to get — because you did not report income, for example — DEED will send you a bill for the overpayment. You can request a payment plan or appeal if you believe the overpayment was DEED's error. Do not ignore the bill; it can affect your taxes and credit.

Keep filing your weekly claims even if you think you might not be approved. If there is a delay in processing, filing on time protects your right to back pay once the issue is resolved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file for unemployment if I was fired?

You can file, but you will only receive benefits if you were fired for reasons not related to misconduct. If you were fired for being late, rude to customers, or breaking a safety rule, DEED will likely deny your claim. If you were fired because the company downsized or your position was eliminated, you may be approved. File anyway and explain what happened during the fact-finding interview.

What if I quit my job?

Quitting usually disqualifies you unless you had good cause — unsafe working conditions, wage theft, or harassment that made the job impossible. Personal reasons like wanting a different job or moving to another city do not count as good cause. File and explain your situation; DEED will decide based on the details you provide.

How long does it take to get my first payment?

If your claim is approved without issues, your first payment arrives 7 to 10 business days after approval. If your employer disputes the reason you left, the process takes longer — usually two to four weeks. File as soon as you lose work so the clock starts early.

Can I work part-time while collecting unemployment?

Yes, but your benefit is reduced. If you earn money in a week, DEED subtracts a portion of it from your benefit payment. Report all income in your weekly claim, even if it is just a few hours of work. Failing to report income is fraud and can result in penalties.

What if I move out of Minnesota?

You can continue to collect Minnesota benefits if you move, but you must file your weekly claims and meet the work search requirement. Some states have agreements with Minnesota to help you search for work in your new location. Contact DEED to update your address and ask about work search options in your new state.