How to File for Unemployment in Minnesota
You file for unemployment in Minnesota through the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), which processes claims and determines what you may receive. You can file online at uimn.org, by phone at 1-888-337-8436, or by mail. Most people file online because it is faster — you can complete it in one sitting if you have your documents ready. The state processes claims within two to three weeks in normal circumstances, though delays happen when the system is overloaded.
You do not need to visit an office in person. DEED handles everything remotely. The key is having the right information before you start: 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 or let go, have the reason ready to explain. If you quit, be prepared to describe why — Minnesota distinguishes between leaving for "good cause" (which may make you may be able to access) and leaving without good cause (which typically does not).
Key Takeaways
- File online at uimn.org, by phone at 1-888-337-8436, or by mail; online is fastest and you can do it from home.
- Have your Social Security number, state ID number, most recent pay stub, and your employer's name and address before you start.
- Minnesota distinguishes between job loss (layoff or firing) and voluntary departure; the reason matters for what you may receive.
- DEED processes claims in two to three weeks under normal conditions, but you should file as soon as you lose work because benefits do not backdate beyond one week before you file.
- You must report any income you earn while receiving benefits, and you must continue to report weekly or bi-weekly depending on your claim.
What Information You Need Before You Start
Gather these documents and details before you open the process. Having them ready cuts your filing time in half and reduces the chance you will make a mistake that delays processing.
Personal identification: Your Social Security number and Minnesota driver's license or state ID number. If you do not have a Minnesota ID, bring a passport or birth certificate.
Employment history: The name, address, and phone number of your last employer. You will also need the dates you worked there — start date and end date. If you worked there under a different name (for example, if you were married and changed your name), note that too.
Pay information: Your most recent pay stub showing your gross pay and the pay period. If you do not have a recent stub, bring a letter from your employer or a bank statement showing direct deposits.
Reason for separation: Be ready to explain why you are no longer working. If you were laid off or fired, describe what happened. If you quit, write down the reason — Minnesota law looks at whether you had "good cause" to leave, which means a real problem with the job (unsafe conditions, wage theft, discrimination) rather than a personal preference.
Filing Online at uimn.org
The online system is the fastest route. Go to uimn.org and look for the "File a Claim" button on the homepage. You will create a login account using your email address and a password you choose. Save this login — you will use it to check your claim status and file your weekly or bi-weekly reports later.
The form asks for your personal information first: name, address, phone number, and email. Then it moves to employment history. You will enter your last employer's name, address, and the dates you worked. The system asks why you are no longer employed — select the option that matches your situation (laid off, fired, quit, etc.). If you quit, you will be asked to explain why. Write clearly and honestly; DEED uses this to decide whether you had good cause.
Next, the form asks about your work history for the past 18 months. List every job you held during that time, including start and end dates. If you worked multiple jobs at once, list them separately. The system uses this to calculate your benefit amount based on your earnings.
At the end, you will review your answers and submit. You will receive a confirmation number — write it down or take a screenshot. DEED will send you an email confirming receipt. Do not assume your claim is approved; confirmation of receipt is not approval. You will receive a separate notice in the mail within two to three weeks telling you whether you were approved and what your weekly benefit amount is.
Filing by Phone or Mail
If you cannot file online, call 1-888-337-8436. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time. Wait times are often long, especially in the first week after a layoff. Have all your information ready before you call so you do not have to look things up while on hold.
A representative will ask you the same questions the online form does: your personal information, employment history, reason for separation, and work history for the past 18 months. They will file the claim for you and give you a confirmation number. Ask them to repeat it so you can write it down.
To file by mail, contact DEED at 1-888-337-8436 and ask for a paper form. You can also read the form from uimn.org. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it to the address on the form. Mail filing is the slowest option — it can take an extra week or two just for the form to reach DEED and be entered into the system.
What Happens After You File
DEED will review your claim and may contact your employer to verify the information you provided. Your employer might say you quit when you say you were laid off, or vice versa. If there is a disagreement, DEED will contact you to ask for more details. Respond quickly — delays in responding can slow your claim.
Within two to three weeks, you will receive a notice in the mail. It will say either that your claim was approved or that it was denied. If approved, the notice will tell you your weekly benefit amount and when your first payment will arrive. If denied, the notice will explain why and tell you how to appeal.
Once approved, you must file a weekly or bi-weekly report to continue receiving benefits. DEED will tell you which schedule applies to you. You can file these reports online at uimn.org using the same login you created, by phone, or by mail. You must report any work you did that week and any income you earned, even if it was just a few hours. Failing to report work or income can result in overpayment, which you will have to repay.
Common Reasons Claims Are Denied or Delayed
Quit without good cause: If you left your job voluntarily and DEED decides you did not have a legitimate reason, your claim will be denied. Minnesota law requires that you had a real problem — not just that you disliked the job. Examples of good cause include unsafe working conditions, wage theft, discrimination, or a substantial change in job duties without your agreement. If your claim is denied for this reason, you can appeal and explain your situation in more detail.
Fired for misconduct: If your employer says you were fired for willful misconduct (deliberately breaking a rule or doing something you knew was wrong), you may be denied. Misconduct does not include making an honest mistake or performing poorly despite trying. If you were fired for a reason you believe was unfair, you can appeal.
Missing or incomplete information: If you did not fill out the form completely or your answers do not match what your employer reports, DEED will contact you to clarify. Respond as soon as you receive the letter. If you do not respond within the important date (usually 10 days), your claim may be denied.
Earnings too high: Minnesota has a weekly earnings limit. If you earned more than a certain amount in the week you file, you may not receive a payment that week. The limit changes each year. DEED will explain this in your approval notice.
Reporting Work and Income While Receiving Benefits
Once you start receiving benefits, you must report any work you do and any money you earn. This includes part-time work, gig work, self-employment, and even a single shift. You report this on your weekly or bi-weekly claim form.
Minnesota allows you to earn a small amount without losing your full benefit. The exact amount depends on your weekly benefit rate, but generally you can earn about one-third of your weekly benefit without a reduction. Earnings above that amount reduce your benefit dollar-for-dollar. For example, if your weekly benefit is $300 and you earn $200, you might receive a reduced payment of $100 that week.
Report your earnings honestly and on time. If you do not report work or income and DEED finds out later, you will owe back the benefits you received. This debt can be collected from future paychecks or tax refunds.
If Your Claim Is Denied or You Disagree With a Decision
You have the right to appeal any decision DEED makes about your claim. The appeal notice will come with your denial letter and will tell you the important date — usually 30 days from the date of the letter. Do not miss this important date; if you do, you lose your right to appeal.
To appeal, you can file online at uimn.org, by phone at 1-888-337-8436, or by mail. You will explain why you believe the decision was wrong. For example, if you were denied because you quit, you can describe the good cause you had for leaving. If you were denied because of a disagreement with your employer, you can provide your version of what happened.
After you file an appeal, DEED will hold a hearing. You and your employer (or a representative) will both have a chance to explain your side. The hearing is usually by phone. You can bring documents or witnesses to support your case. An administrative law judge will make a decision based on what they hear.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my first payment?
If your claim is approved, your first payment usually arrives within one to two weeks after approval. DEED processes claims in two to three weeks, so from the day you file to the day you receive money is typically three to four weeks. If you need money sooner, look into emergency information programs in your county.
Can I file if I was fired?
Yes, but 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 likely be denied. If you were fired for poor performance, inability to do the job, or a reason you believe was unfair, you may still be approved. File your claim and explain what happened; DEED will investigate.
What if I was laid off but my employer says I quit?
File your claim and explain that you were laid off. DEED will contact your employer to verify. If there is a disagreement, DEED will ask you for more details. Bring any documentation you have — a layoff notice, an email, a text message, or a witness who can confirm what happened. You can also appeal if your claim is denied.
Do I have to report part-time work or gig work?
Yes, you must report all work and all income, including part-time jobs, gig work, self-employment, and one-time payments. Report it on your weekly or bi-weekly claim form. Failing to report can result in overpayment, which you will have to repay.
What if I move out of Minnesota while receiving benefits?
Contact DEED when ready. You may still be able to receive Minnesota benefits if you are working or looking for work in another state, but the rules are complicated and depend on your situation. Call 1-888-337-8436 to ask about your specific case.