Minnesota unemployment benefits are filed through the state's Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), either online or by phone

Minnesota's unemployment system is called Unemployment Insurance (UI), and you file through DEED's online portal or by calling their claims line. The online route is faster — you can file in about 20 minutes if you have your documents ready — but the phone line works if you cannot access a computer or need help walking through the form.

You must file within 30 days of your last day of work, though filing sooner is better because benefits are backdated to your first week of unemployment, not the week you file. If you miss the 30-day window, you lose those earlier weeks and cannot get them back.

Minnesota pays between $38 and $740 per week, depending on your prior earnings. The amount is calculated from your wages in the highest-earning quarter of the past 12 months. You receive benefits for up to 26 weeks if you remain unemployed, though the exact length depends on the state's unemployment rate at the time you file.

Key Takeaways

  • File online through DEED's UI portal at uimn.org or call 1-888-337-3177 to file by phone within 30 days of your last day of work.
  • Have your Social Security number, driver's license or state ID, and your most recent pay stub or W-2 ready before you start.
  • You must report your reason for separation from work — whether you were laid off, quit, or fired — and DEED will contact your employer to verify your account.
  • After you file, you receive a information letter in the mail within one to two weeks; if DEED denies your claim, you have 30 days to file an appeal.
  • Once approved, you must file a weekly claim every Sunday through Thursday to receive your payment, and you must report any work or income you earned that week.

What documents and information to gather before you file

Gather these items before you log in or call, so you do not have to stop halfway through:

  • Your Social Security number
  • Your Minnesota driver's license or state ID number
  • Your most recent pay stub or W-2 form (to verify your earnings)
  • The name, address, and phone number of your last employer
  • The date you last worked
  • Your reason for separation — whether you were laid off, quit, or fired, and why
  • Your bank account number and routing number if you want direct deposit (optional but faster)

If you were fired, have a clear explanation of what happened. DEED will ask whether you were fired for misconduct, and your answer affects whether you are disqualified. Misconduct in Minnesota means willful or negligent disregard of the employer's reasonable instructions or standards — not straightforward making a mistake or being a poor fit for the job.

If you quit, be ready to explain why. Quitting without good cause disqualifies you in Minnesota. Good cause means you had a reasonable, job-related reason — such as unsafe working conditions, wage theft, or a substantial change in job duties — not personal reasons like needing to move or wanting a different schedule.

Filing online through the DEED portal

Go to uimn.org and click "File a Claim" on the homepage. You will be asked to create a login or sign in if you already have one. The system will walk you through a series of screens asking for your personal information, work history, and reason for separation.

The form takes about 20 minutes. You will enter your employer's name and address, the date you last worked, your weekly wage, and a description of why you left the job. Be specific and honest in your reason — vague answers like "personal reasons" or "better opportunity" can trigger a follow-up call from DEED, which delays your claim.

After you submit, you receive a confirmation number on screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. DEED will send you a confirmation email within 24 hours, and a information letter will arrive in the mail within one to two weeks. If you do not receive the information letter within 14 days, call DEED at 1-888-337-3177 to check the status.

Filing by phone if you cannot use the online system

Call the DEED claims line at 1-888-337-3177. Wait times are longest on Mondays and Tuesdays, so calling Wednesday through Friday is faster. Have all your documents in front of you before you call.

A representative will ask the same questions as the online form: your personal information, employer details, last date worked, weekly wage, and reason for separation. They will type your answers into the system in real time. The call takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how straightforward your case is.

At the end of the call, the representative will give you a confirmation number. Ask them to repeat it and write it down. You will receive the same confirmation email and information letter as online filers. If the line is busy, you can request a callback — give them your phone number and they will call you back within 24 hours instead of making you wait on hold.

What happens after you file: the information letter and employer verification

Within one to two weeks, DEED mails you a information letter. This letter tells you whether your claim was approved or denied, and how much you will receive per week if approved.

Before they approve your claim, DEED contacts your employer to verify your account of why you left. Your employer may say you were laid off, quit, or fired — and may dispute your reason. If there is a disagreement, DEED will contact you by phone to ask follow-up questions. Answer honestly and provide any documentation you have, such as emails or written warnings.

If DEED approves your claim, the information letter will show your weekly benefit amount and the date your benefits start. If they deny your claim, the letter will explain why and tell you that you have 30 days to file an appeal. Do not ignore a denial — you can appeal even if you think you have no case, and many denials are overturned on appeal.

Filing your weekly claim to receive payments

After your claim is approved, you must file a weekly claim every week to receive your payment. You can file online at uimn.org or by phone at 1-888-337-3177. Weekly claims are due between Sunday and Thursday each week.

When you file your weekly claim, you will be asked whether you worked that week, whether you earned any income, and whether you looked for work. If you earned any wages — even a few hours of part-time work — you must report it. DEED does not take your entire benefit away if you work; instead, they reduce your payment by a portion of what you earned. The exact reduction depends on your weekly benefit amount.

If you do not file your weekly claim by Thursday, you will not receive a payment that week. If you miss two weeks in a row without contacting DEED, your benefits may be suspended and you will have to reopen your claim.

What to do if your claim is denied

If DEED denies your claim, you have 30 days from the date on the information letter to file an appeal. You can appeal online at uimn.org, by mail, or by phone at 1-888-337-3177. You do not need a lawyer to appeal, though you can bring one if you choose.

When you appeal, explain in writing why you believe DEED made a mistake. If you were denied because of your reason for separation, provide any documentation that supports your version — such as emails from your employer, written warnings, or a letter from a coworker. If you were denied for another reason, such as not meeting the earnings requirement, ask DEED to recalculate your wages.

After you file an appeal, DEED schedules a hearing before an administrative law judge. The hearing is usually held by phone and takes 20 to 30 minutes. You will have a chance to explain your case, and your employer will have a chance to respond. The judge will issue a decision within two weeks of the hearing. If the judge rules in your favor, you receive back pay for all the weeks you were denied.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file for unemployment if I was fired?

Yes, but only if you were not fired for misconduct. Misconduct in Minnesota means you willfully or negligently disregarded your employer's reasonable instructions or standards. Being fired for poor performance, making a mistake, or not being a good fit is not misconduct. If DEED denies your claim, you can appeal and explain the circumstances.

How long does it take to receive my first payment?

If you file online, you receive your information letter within one to two weeks. If approved, your first payment is deposited or mailed within seven to ten days of approval. If you file by phone, the timeline is the same. Total time from filing to first payment is usually three to four weeks.

What if I find a job while I am receiving benefits?

You must report your new job and any income you earn on your weekly claim. DEED does not stop your benefits when ready; instead, they reduce your weekly payment based on how much you earned. Once you earn enough in a week to offset your entire benefit, you stop receiving payments that week, but your claim remains open for up to 26 weeks.

Can I file for unemployment if I quit my job?

You can file, but you will be denied unless you had good cause to quit. Good cause means you had a reasonable, job-related reason — such as unsafe conditions, wage theft, or a substantial change in duties. Personal reasons like needing to move or wanting a different schedule do not count as good cause in Minnesota.

What if I disagree with my weekly benefit amount?

Call DEED at 1-888-337-3177 and ask them to review your earnings calculation. Your benefit is based on your highest-earning quarter in the past 12 months. If DEED used the wrong quarter or miscalculated your wages, they will recalculate and adjust your payment going forward. You can also appeal the information letter if you believe the amount is wrong.