File through Minnesota's online portal or by phone within two weeks of your last day of work

Minnesota's unemployment insurance program is run by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). You file your claim through their website at uimn.org or by calling 1-888-235-4357. The state processes claims faster online, usually within one to two weeks if you have all your documents ready. You must file within two weeks of your last day of work — waiting longer can delay your first payment.

Minnesota pays unemployment to workers who lost their job through no fault of their own. This includes layoffs, position eliminations, and some medical separations. It does not cover quitting, being fired for misconduct, or refusing work. You must have earned at least $1,000 in the past year and worked in Minnesota or for a Minnesota employer to be covered.

The state pays a weekly benefit amount based on your earnings history, with a maximum that changes each year. Payments typically start two to three weeks after your claim is approved, though the first week of unemployment is usually unpaid. You can receive benefits for up to 26 weeks in a standard year, though this may extend during periods of high unemployment.

Key Takeaways

  • File online at uimn.org or call 1-888-235-4357 within two weeks of your last day of work to avoid delays in your first payment.
  • You will need your Social Security number, driver's license or ID number, and information about your last employer including their address and phone number.
  • Minnesota requires you to actively search for work and report your job search efforts every two weeks to keep receiving payments.
  • If your claim is denied, you have 30 days to file an appeal with the state, and you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge.
  • Part-time work, self-employment income, and some types of separation (like medical leave) may affect your benefits or require additional documentation.

What documents and information you need before you start

Gather these items before you log into uimn.org or call. Having everything ready cuts your filing time in half and reduces errors that delay payment. You will need your Social Security number, a valid Minnesota driver's license or state ID number, and your date of birth.

For your last employer, write down the company name, street address, city, state, zip code, phone number, and the name of your supervisor or manager if you know it. You will also need your last day of work and the reason you separated — whether you were laid off, the position was eliminated, you were fired, you quit, or something else. If you were fired, be ready to explain what happened; the state will contact your employer to verify the reason.

If you worked for more than one employer in the past 18 months, write down the same information for each one. Minnesota looks at your full work history to calculate your benefit amount. If you have been self-employed or received 1099 income, note the dates and amounts — self-employment income is handled differently and may not count toward your benefit.

Filing online versus calling: which is faster

Online filing through uimn.org is faster and more reliable. The system walks you through each question, saves your answers as you go, and shows you exactly what the state received. You can file at any time of day, and you get a confirmation number when ready. Most people finish in 20 to 30 minutes if they have their documents ready.

Calling 1-888-235-4357 works if you cannot access the internet or need help understanding a question. Wait times are often 30 minutes to two hours, especially on Mondays and Tuesdays. The representative will ask the same questions as the online form and file your claim over the phone. You will receive a confirmation number at the end of the call.

Both methods file your claim on the same day you submit it. The state does not process claims faster by phone. If you have internet access, filing online reduces the chance of miscommunication and lets you keep a copy of your answers for your records.

What happens after you file: the verification and approval process

After you submit your claim, DEED sends a notice to your last employer asking them to confirm the reason you left, your final pay, and whether you are may be able to access for rehire. This is called employer verification. Your employer has about 10 days to respond. If they do not respond, the state may approve your claim based on your account alone.

You will receive a letter in the mail within one to two weeks telling you whether your claim was approved or denied. The letter includes your weekly benefit amount, the number of weeks you can receive benefits, and instructions for claiming your weekly payments. If approved, you must file a weekly claim every week you want to receive a payment — this is separate from your initial claim and is done through the same website or by phone.

If your claim is denied, the letter explains the reason. 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 file an appeal. An appeal does not cost anything and does not require a lawyer, though you can bring one if you choose.

Weekly job search requirements and reporting

Minnesota requires you to search for work and report your job search efforts every two weeks. When you file your weekly claim, you must answer whether you looked for work that week. If you answer yes, you may be asked to provide details about the employers you contacted, the dates, and how you applied (online, in person, by phone).

You do not have to submit proof every week, but the state can ask for it at any time. Keep a straightforward log with the date, employer name, job title, and how you applied. This takes five minutes per week and protects you if the state audits your claim later. If you are unable to work due to illness or a temporary reason, you can report that instead of job search activity — the state will ask follow-up questions.

If you fail to report job search activity or provide false information, the state can deny your weekly payment and ask you to repay benefits you already received. This is taken seriously, so be honest about your search efforts even if you did not find anything that week.

Reasons your claim might be denied and how to appeal

The most common reasons for denial are not meeting the $1,000 earnings requirement, being fired for misconduct, quitting without good cause, or being self-employed. Misconduct means you deliberately broke a rule or did something you knew was wrong — being bad at your job or making an honest mistake is not misconduct. Good cause to quit means you had a serious reason like unsafe working conditions, wage theft, or a medical issue your employer would not accommodate.

If your claim is denied, read the denial letter carefully. It explains exactly why and what evidence the state used. You have 30 days to file an appeal by mail, online, or by phone. When you appeal, you can submit new information, explain your side of the story, and request a hearing. At a hearing, you and your employer each present your account to an administrative law judge, who decides whether you are may have access to to benefits.

Many people win on appeal because they can explain their situation in detail or provide documents the state did not see the first time. You do not need a lawyer, but free legal aid is available through Minnesota's legal services programs if you cannot afford one. Contact your local legal aid office or call 1-888-529-5929 for the Unemployment Insurance Advocates Program.

Part-time work, side income, and how they affect your benefits

If you work part-time while receiving unemployment, you must report your earnings every week. Minnesota allows you to earn a certain amount before your benefit is reduced — this amount changes each year. For 2024, you can earn up to about $679 per week before your benefit starts to decrease. Earnings above that amount reduce your weekly payment dollar-for-dollar.

Self-employment income and 1099 work are treated differently. The state does not count self-employment income toward your weekly earnings limit, but you must still report it. If you are self-employed, you may not be covered by unemployment insurance at all — this depends on how your business is structured and how much you earned. Call DEED at 1-888-235-4357 to ask whether your specific situation qualifies.

Gig work, freelance income, and contract work must be reported as earned income. Do not try to hide side work — the state cross-checks tax records and can recover overpaid benefits plus penalties if you misreport. If you are unsure whether something counts as income, ask DEED before you file your weekly claim.

What to do if your payment is late or you have questions

Payments are deposited to your bank account or sent to a debit card, usually within three to five business days after you file your weekly claim. If you do not receive a payment within a week, log into your account at uimn.org to check the status. The website shows whether your weekly claim was approved, denied, or is still being processed.

If your claim shows as approved but you have not received payment, call 1-888-235-4357. Have your Social Security number and claim number ready. The representative can see exactly where your payment is in the system and tell you when to expect it. If there is an error, they can often fix it on the spot.

If you move, change your phone number, or update your address, log into uimn.org and update your account information when ready. The state mails important notices to your address on file, and missing a notice can affect your benefits. You can also call DEED to update your information by phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file for unemployment if I was laid off due to lack of work?

Yes. A layoff or reduction in hours due to lack of work is one of the main reasons people receive unemployment. You are not at fault, so you should be approved as long as you meet the earnings requirement and have not been fired for misconduct. File as soon as you know your job is ending.

What if I was fired? Can I still get unemployment?

It depends on why you were fired. If you were fired for misconduct — deliberately breaking a rule or doing something you knew was wrong — you will be denied. If you were fired for poor performance, being late, or making an honest mistake, you may still be approved. The state will ask your employer why they fired you, and you can explain your side during an appeal if needed.

How long does it take to get my first payment?

Most people receive their first payment two to three weeks after filing their claim. The first week of unemployment is usually unpaid. If your claim is delayed because your employer is slow to respond, it can take longer. Filing online and having all your documents ready speeds up the process.

Can I file for unemployment while I am still working?

No. You must have separated from your job to file. If you are still employed, even part-time, you cannot file an initial claim. You can file once your last day of work has passed. If you are working part-time and lost a full-time job, you can file for the full-time job and report your part-time earnings each week.

What if I do not have a Minnesota driver's license?

You can use your state ID number instead, or any government-issued ID number. If you do not have either, call 1-888-235-4357 and explain your situation. DEED can file your claim using your Social Security number and date of birth, though you may be asked to provide ID later.