Where to file and what you need before you start

Minnesota handles unemployment claims through DEED — the Department of Employment and Economic Development. You file online at uimn.org, not through a local office or by phone. The state processes claims entirely through this portal, so you will need to create an account and submit your information there.

Before you begin, gather these documents: your Social Security number, driver's license or state ID number, your most recent pay stub, and the name and address of your last employer. If you were laid off, have the date it happened. If you quit or were fired, be ready to explain why — the state will ask, and your answer affects whether you receive benefits. You do not need to upload documents initially; DEED may request them later if your claim is flagged for review.

The filing process takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You can start a claim at any time, but benefits are backdated to the Sunday of the week you became unemployed, so filing sooner rather than later protects your payment date. If you file on a Wednesday for a layoff that happened the previous Monday, your benefit week still starts on that Sunday.

Key Takeaways

  • File online at uimn.org through your DEED account; Minnesota does not accept phone or in-person claims.
  • Have your Social Security number, ID number, last pay stub, and employer information ready before you start.
  • Benefits are backdated to the Sunday of the week you lost work, so the filing date matters for your payment timeline.
  • After you file, you must certify your weekly claim every Sunday through the same portal to continue receiving payments.
  • Minnesota requires you to search for work and document your job search efforts if you are receiving benefits.

Creating your account and starting your claim

Go to uimn.org and select "File a Claim" or "Manage Your Claim." You will be asked to create a login using your email address and a password. Minnesota uses this account to track your claim status, send you messages, and allow you to certify weekly. Write down your login information — you will use it every week for as long as you receive benefits.

The system will walk you through a series of questions about your employment history, why you are no longer working, and your income. Answer honestly and completely. If you were laid off due to lack of work, say that. If you were fired for misconduct, say that too. The state investigates claims flagged as unclear, and incomplete answers slow the process. You can save your progress and return later if you need to gather information, but do not leave it incomplete for more than a few days.

Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Write it down. DEED will send you an email confirming receipt and telling you what happens next. The state typically processes claims within 5 to 7 business days, though some take longer if they require additional information.

What happens after you file

DEED will review your claim and send you a information letter by mail or through your online account. This letter tells you whether you were found monetarily may be able to access (meaning you earned enough in the past year to receive benefits) and non-disqualifying (meaning the reason you left work does not bar you from benefits). If both are yes, your claim is approved and you move to the weekly certification step.

If the state denies your claim, the letter explains why. Common reasons include: you quit without good cause, you were fired for misconduct, you did not earn enough in the base period, or you are still employed part-time and your earnings are too high. You have the right to appeal a denial. The appeal must be filed within 30 days of the information letter, and you can do this online through your DEED account or by mail.

If DEED needs more information before deciding, they will contact you by email or phone. Respond promptly — delays in providing documents can push your decision back by weeks. If you cannot reach them or they cannot reach you, call the DEED Unemployment Insurance Division at 1-877-898-9090.

Weekly certification and ongoing requirements

Once your claim is approved, you must certify every week to receive payment. Certification means logging into your DEED account every Sunday (or the day DEED assigns you) and confirming that you were unemployed that week, that you searched for work, and that you reported all income you earned. You have until 11:59 p.m. on the certification day to complete it. If you miss the important date, your payment is delayed until you certify the following week.

Minnesota requires you to document your job search. This means keeping a record of jobs you applied for, companies you contacted, and dates you searched. You do not submit this record with your weekly certification, but DEED can ask to see it at any time. If you cannot show that you searched for work, the state can deny that week's payment or disqualify you from future benefits. The requirement is waived only if you are on a temporary layoff and your employer told you to expect recall within a specific timeframe.

If you earn any income during a week — from part-time work, gig work, or self-employment — report it on your certification. Minnesota allows you to earn up to a certain amount before your benefit is reduced. The exact amount changes yearly, but the state deducts 25 cents from your benefit for every dollar you earn above the threshold. This is not a penalty; it is how the program is designed. Failing to report income is fraud and can result in overpayment demands and disqualification.

Payment timing and direct deposit

Minnesota pays unemployment benefits by debit card, not by check. When your claim is approved, DEED mails you a debit card that looks like a regular bank card. Your weekly benefit amount is loaded onto this card every week you certify successfully. The card arrives within 7 to 10 business days of approval.

Your weekly benefit amount is calculated based on your earnings in the past year. Minnesota divides your highest quarter of earnings by 26 and pays you up to 50 percent of that amount, with a maximum weekly benefit of $740 (this amount changes yearly). For example, if you earned $10,000 in your highest quarter, your weekly benefit would be about $192. The state notifies you of your exact weekly amount in your information letter.

Payments are usually deposited on the card within 24 hours of certification, though it can take up to 48 hours. You can withdraw cash from ATMs or use the card like a debit card at stores. There is no fee for ATM withdrawals at most networks, but check the card documentation for details.

How long benefits last and what ends your claim

Minnesota provides up to 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits in a benefit year (a 52-week period starting when your claim begins). If you find work before 26 weeks pass, your claim ends and you stop certifying. If you reach 26 weeks without finding work, your regular benefits end, though you may be may be able to access for extended benefits if the state's unemployment rate is high enough. Extended benefits are not automatic — you must reapply or contact DEED to learn if you may have access to.

Your claim also ends if: you return to work full-time, you refuse a suitable job offer without good cause, you fail to search for work, you move out of Minnesota, or you reach your benefit year end date. If any of these happen, notify DEED when ready by logging into your account or calling 1-877-898-9090. Continuing to certify after your claim has ended is considered fraud.

If you are recalled to your previous job, tell DEED right away. You do not need to certify that week, and your claim is paused rather than closed. If you are not recalled within the timeframe your employer stated, you can resume certifying and your claim resumes.

Common issues and how to resolve them

If your payment is delayed, log into your account and check your claim status. The status page shows whether you have certified for that week, whether DEED is reviewing your claim, or whether there is a hold on your account. If the status says "pending," wait 24 to 48 hours and check again. If it says "issue" or "hold," click on the details to see what DEED needs from you.

If you cannot log into your account, use the "Forgot Password" link on uimn.org to reset it. If that does not work, call 1-877-898-9090 and ask for account recovery help. Wait times are shortest early in the morning on weekdays. If you reach a busy signal, the line is at capacity; call back in 30 minutes.

If you believe DEED made an error on your claim — for example, they calculated your weekly benefit incorrectly or they denied you when you believe you should have been approved — file an appeal within 30 days of the information letter. Appeals are handled by an administrative law judge, and you can present evidence and testimony. You do not need a lawyer, but you can bring one if you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file for unemployment if I was fired?

You can file, but whether you receive benefits depends on why you were fired. If you were fired for misconduct — breaking a rule, being late repeatedly, or violating safety procedures — you are disqualified. If you were fired for poor performance or not being a good fit, you may still may have access to. DEED makes this information after reviewing your claim and any information your employer provides.

What if my employer contests my claim?

Your employer can file a protest with DEED within 10 days of receiving notice of your claim. If they do, DEED will investigate and may contact you for more details. You will have a chance to respond. The state then issues a information based on the evidence. If you disagree with the outcome, you can appeal.

Do I have to report my job search every week?

You must document your job search, but you do not submit a list with your weekly certification. DEED can ask to see your records at any time. Keep notes of companies you contacted, dates, and job titles you applied for. If you cannot show reasonable effort to find work, that week's benefit can be denied.

What if I move out of Minnesota while receiving benefits?

Notify DEED when ready. If you move to another state, you may be able to continue your claim under Minnesota law if you are still searching for work in Minnesota. If you move and are no longer looking for Minnesota work, your claim ends. Rules vary by state, so contact DEED before you move to understand how it affects your benefits.

Can I receive unemployment while I am in school or training?

You can receive unemployment while in school only if the school is not full-time and does not interfere with your availability for work. If you are in full-time training or school, you are not available for work and do not may have access to. Some federally funded training programs allow you to receive benefits while training, but you must report this to DEED when you file.