What Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Covers and Who Can File

Minnesota Unemployment Insurance (UI) is a program run by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) that pays weekly benefits to workers who have lost their job through no fault of their own. The program is funded by employer payroll taxes, not by the state general fund, and the money comes to you, not your employer.

You can file if you were laid off, had your hours cut significantly, or were fired for reasons unrelated to your conduct — for example, if you were let go because the business closed or because you could not do the job despite trying. You cannot file if you quit without good cause, were fired for misconduct, or are still employed. Self-employed people, independent contractors, and gig workers do not pay into the regular UI system and cannot file regular UI claims, though some may be covered under Pandemic Unemployment information if that program is active.

Benefits are based on your earnings in the past year and are paid weekly. The amount varies by person; DEED will calculate it based on your wage history when you file. You must be able and willing to work, and you must report any earnings you receive while collecting benefits — even partial week earnings reduce your payment.

Key Takeaways

  • You file your claim directly with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) online, by phone, or by mail, and you do not need to visit an office in person.
  • You will need your Social Security number, driver's license or ID number, and information about your last employer including their name, address, and phone number.
  • The first week you claim is usually a waiting week and does not pay; benefits begin the second week if you are found to be covered.
  • After you file, you must report your work search activities every two weeks by logging into your account or calling the automated system, or your benefits will stop.
  • DEED will contact your employer to verify your separation reason; if your employer says you quit or were fired for misconduct, you may be denied and will have the right to appeal.

How to File Your Claim Online or by Phone

The fastest way to file is online through the DEED website at uimn.org. You will create an account, enter your personal information, and answer questions about your job, your separation, and your work history. The online system saves your progress, so you can stop and come back later if you need to. Most people complete it in 20 to 30 minutes.

If you cannot file online, you can call the DEED Unemployment Insurance Division at 1-833-366-8400. Wait times are longest on Mondays and Tuesdays. Have your Social Security number, driver's license or state ID number, and your last employer's information ready before you call. A representative will walk you through the questions and file your claim over the phone.

You can also mail a paper process, but this is the slowest route — mail takes several days to arrive, and processing takes longer. Request a paper form by calling the number above or visiting a DEED office in person. File as soon as you know you are separated from your job; claims are dated from the week you file, not the week you lost your job.

What Information You Need Before You File

Gather these items before you start your process:

  • Your Social Security number
  • Your Minnesota driver's license or state ID number
  • Your last employer's name, street address, city, state, and zip code
  • Your last employer's phone number
  • The date you were separated (laid off, fired, or your last day worked)
  • Your job title and a brief description of what you did
  • Your gross weekly or monthly pay (before taxes)
  • Names and addresses of any other employers you worked for in the past 18 months
  • Information about any severance pay, vacation pay, or sick leave payout you received

If you are not sure of your employer's exact address or phone number, look it up online or check your last pay stub. If you worked for a large company with multiple locations, use the address and phone number of the specific location where you worked, not the corporate headquarters.

What Happens After You File and How Long It Takes

After you file, DEED sends a notice to your employer asking them to confirm the reason you left. Your employer has 10 days to respond. In the meantime, DEED reviews your claim to make sure you meet the basic requirements — that you worked in Minnesota, earned enough wages, and were separated through no fault of your own.

If everything checks out and your employer does not dispute the claim, you will receive a information letter in the mail within two to three weeks. The letter tells you whether you are covered, what your weekly benefit amount is, and when payments begin. The first week you claim is a waiting week and does not pay; you receive your first payment for the second week of your claim.

If your employer contests the claim — for example, by saying you quit or were fired for misconduct — DEED will hold your claim and may schedule a phone hearing. You will be notified by mail with the hearing date and time. At the hearing, you and your employer each explain what happened, and a hearing officer decides whether you are covered. This process can take four to eight weeks.

How to Report Your Work Search and Maintain Your Benefits

Once your claim is approved and you start receiving benefits, you must report your work search activities every two weeks. You do this by logging into your account at uimn.org and answering questions about the jobs you looked for, the employers you contacted, and any job offers you received. You can also report by calling 1-833-366-8400 and selecting the option to report work search.

You must report at least three work search activities per week — this means contacting employers, explore for jobs, attending interviews, or using a job search service. straightforward looking at job postings online does not count. If you do not report your work search by the important date, your benefits will stop, and you will need to contact DEED to restart them.

You must also report any income you earn while collecting benefits. If you work part-time or pick up a few hours, tell DEED the amount you earned. Your weekly benefit will be reduced by a portion of your earnings, but you may still receive a partial payment. If you return to full-time work, your benefits end.

Common Reasons Claims Are Denied and How to Appeal

The most common reason for denial is that your employer says you quit or were fired for misconduct. If DEED denies your claim, you will receive a information letter explaining why. You have 30 days from the date on the letter to file an appeal. Do not wait — if you miss the important date, you lose your right to appeal.

To appeal, call DEED at 1-833-366-8400 or submit a written appeal by mail to the address on your information letter. State clearly why you disagree with the decision. If you were fired, explain what happened and why it was not misconduct. If you quit, explain the good cause — for example, unsafe working conditions, harassment, or a significant cut in hours that made the job unworkable.

After you file an appeal, DEED schedules a hearing before an administrative law judge. You will receive a notice by mail with the date and time. The hearing is usually by phone. You can represent yourself or bring someone to help you. The judge listens to both sides and issues a written decision. If you disagree with that decision, you can appeal further to the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board, but you must do so within 30 days.

What to Do If You Receive a Benefit Overpayment Notice

Sometimes DEED determines that you were paid benefits you were not supposed to receive — for example, because you did not report earnings, or because your claim was later found to be ineligible. DEED will send you a notice saying you owe money back. This is called an overpayment.

If you receive an overpayment notice, read it carefully to understand why DEED says you were overpaid. If you disagree, you have 30 days to appeal, just as you would with a denial. If you agree or do not appeal, DEED will deduct the overpayment from your future benefits, or you can arrange a payment plan by calling DEED. Do not ignore the notice — if you do not pay or appeal, DEED can refer the debt to a collection agency.

If the overpayment was DEED's mistake, not yours, you may be able to have it waived. Call DEED and explain the situation. Waivers are not automatic, but DEED has the authority to forgive overpayments in certain cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file for unemployment if I was laid off due to lack of work but my employer says I might be called back?

Yes. Temporary layoffs are covered by unemployment insurance. You can file even if your employer says you might return. If you are called back and return to work, your benefits end. If you are not called back within a reasonable time, you remain covered as long as you continue to meet the other requirements.

What if I was fired but I think it was not for misconduct?

File anyway. Your employer will likely dispute the claim, and DEED will hold a hearing. At the hearing, you can explain your side. Being fired does not automatically disqualify you — it depends on the reason. If you were fired for poor performance despite trying your best, or for a reason unrelated to your conduct, you may still be covered.

Do I have to report my work search if I am still looking for a job but have not found one yet?

Yes. You must report at least three work search activities every two weeks, even if you have not received any job offers. This means contacting employers, explore for positions, or using a job search service. If you do not report, your benefits will stop.

What happens if I move out of Minnesota while collecting benefits?

You can continue to collect Minnesota benefits if you move to another state, but you must report your move to DEED and follow that state's work search rules. Some states have different requirements. Contact DEED before you move to understand how it affects your claim.

Can I collect unemployment while I am in school or taking a training course?

It depends on the program. If you are in a DEED-approved training program, you may be able to collect benefits while you study. You must report your school schedule and any part-time work. If you are in school on your own, you must still meet the requirement to be able and willing to work, which may be difficult if your class schedule prevents you from accepting a job. Contact DEED to discuss your specific situation.