Where to file and what you need before you start

Minnesota unemployment claims go through the state's Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), and you file online at uimn.org. The site handles both initial claims and weekly certifications. You will need your Social Security number, driver's license or ID number, and information about your last employer — their name, address, and the dates you worked there. Have your final pay stub handy if you have one.

You can file from any computer or phone with internet access. The process typically takes 20 to 30 minutes for an initial claim. DEED does not take phone or mail applications for new claims, so online is your only route. If you do not have internet access, you can use a computer at a public library or workforce center.

File as soon as you become unemployed. Your benefit week runs Sunday through Saturday, and you can only receive benefits for weeks you were actually unemployed during that period. The sooner you file, the sooner your waiting period begins — Minnesota has a one-week waiting period before any benefits are paid, meaning your first payment typically arrives in your second week of unemployment.

Key Takeaways

  • File online at uimn.org with your Social Security number, ID number, and your last employer's information.
  • Minnesota has a one-week waiting period, so your first payment usually arrives in your second week of unemployment.
  • After you file your initial claim, you must certify your unemployment status every week to keep receiving payments.
  • Your weekly benefit amount depends on your earnings in the past 12 months and is capped at a maximum that changes yearly.
  • If DEED denies your claim, you have the right to request a hearing within 30 days of the denial letter.

What happens after you submit your initial claim

DEED reviews your claim within one to three business days. During this time, they contact your employer to verify the information you provided — your job title, dates of employment, and reason for separation. Your employer has about ten days to respond. If there is a disagreement about why you left (for example, you say you were laid off but your employer says you quit), DEED will investigate further before making a decision.

You will receive a information letter by mail or through your online account. If approved, the letter tells you your weekly benefit amount and when payments begin. If denied, the letter explains why and tells you how to request a hearing. Read this letter carefully, because it contains information you need for weekly certifications.

Do not wait for approval before certifying. Even if your claim is still under review, you should certify your unemployment status each week through the uimn.org portal. This keeps your claim active and ensures you receive back pay if you are eventually approved.

Weekly certification and how to stay on the rolls

Once you file an initial claim, you must certify every week that you were unemployed and looking for work. Certification opens on Sunday and closes on Friday of each week. You log into your account at uimn.org, answer questions about your job search and any income you earned that week, and submit. This takes about five minutes.

You must report all income, including gig work, part-time jobs, and self-employment. Minnesota reduces your benefit by 50 cents for every dollar you earn above $50 per week. So if you earned $100 in a week, you report it, and your benefit is reduced by $25. If you earned $40, you owe nothing back because you are under the $50 threshold.

Missing a certification important date means you do not receive a payment for that week, even if you were unemployed. If you miss more than two weeks in a row, your claim may be closed. You can reopen it, but it is simpler to certify on time. Set a phone reminder for Friday afternoon if that helps you remember.

How your benefit amount is calculated

Your weekly benefit is based on your earnings in the 12 months before you filed. DEED looks at your gross wages (before taxes) and divides them by 52 to find an average weekly wage. They then pay you about 50 percent of that average, up to a state maximum. The maximum benefit amount changes each year; in 2024 it was $863 per week, but confirm the current maximum on uimn.org because it increases annually.

If you earned very little in the past year, your benefit will be lower. If you had a high-income job, your benefit is capped at the state maximum even if 50 percent of your average would be higher. Part-time workers, seasonal workers, and people who were unemployed for part of the 12-month lookback period all receive lower benefits because their average weekly wage is lower.

You can see your calculated benefit amount in your information letter or by logging into your account. If the amount seems wrong, check that DEED has your correct wage information from your employer. If there is a discrepancy, contact DEED to correct it before you certify.

What disqualifies you or reduces your benefits

Minnesota denies or reduces benefits if you left your job without good cause, were fired for misconduct, or refused suitable work without good reason. "Good cause" means a reason a reasonable person would have quit — unsafe conditions, wage theft, or a significant change in job duties. Leaving because you disliked your boss or wanted higher pay usually does not count.

"Misconduct" means deliberate violation of reasonable employer rules — showing up late repeatedly, insubordination, or theft. A single mistake or poor performance is not misconduct. If you were laid off, your position was eliminated, or you were fired for a first-time mistake, you should still be approved.

If you turn down a job offer while collecting benefits, DEED may reduce or stop your payments. The job must be "suitable" — similar pay, hours, and type of work as your previous job. You can refuse work that pays significantly less or requires you to relocate without cause, but refusing any job offer is risky and may trigger an investigation.

If DEED denies your claim or stops your payments

You have the right to request a hearing if you disagree with DEED's decision. The denial letter includes a important date — usually 30 days from the date of the letter. To request a hearing, fill out the form that comes with the letter or contact the Office of Administrative Hearings. You do not need a lawyer, though you can bring one.

At the hearing, you and your employer (or DEED representative) present your side of the story to an administrative law judge. The judge decides whether you meet the rules for benefits. If you win, you receive back pay for all weeks you were denied. If you lose, you can appeal to the Minnesota Court of Appeals, but this is rare and requires legal help.

Request the hearing even if you think you will lose. The process takes two to four months, and during that time you can still certify weekly. If you eventually win, you get paid for all those weeks retroactively. If you lose, you owe nothing — there is no penalty for requesting a hearing.

How long benefits last and what happens when they run out

Minnesota unemployment benefits last up to 26 weeks in a benefit year (July 1 to June 30). If you exhaust your regular benefits and unemployment in your state remains high, you may be able to extend benefits through federal programs. These extensions are not automatic — they are triggered by state unemployment rates and are only available during certain periods.

You can track how many weeks of benefits you have left in your online account. When you get close to running out, start planning. Look into job training programs, community college courses, or workforce development services — many are free or low-cost and may help you return to work faster.

If your benefits end and you are still unemployed, you can file a new claim in the next benefit year (July 1). You must have worked and earned enough wages in the new 12-month lookback period to may have access to. If you have not worked since your last claim ended, you will not be approved for a new claim until you return to work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file for unemployment if I quit my job?

You can file, but DEED will likely deny your claim unless you quit for good cause. Good cause means a reason a reasonable person would have quit — unsafe working conditions, wage theft, or a significant involuntary change in your job. Quitting because you wanted higher pay or disliked your boss does not count. If denied, you can request a hearing to explain your reason.

What if my employer contests my claim?

Your employer has about ten days to respond to DEED's inquiry. If they say you were fired for misconduct or quit without cause, DEED investigates further. You will have a chance to tell your side of the story, either in writing or at a hearing. Bring any documents that support your version — emails, schedules, or witness names.

How do I certify if I work part-time while collecting benefits?

Report your earnings each week when you certify. Minnesota reduces your benefit by 50 cents for every dollar you earn above $50 per week. So part-time work does not disqualify you — it just reduces your payment. Many people work part-time and collect unemployment at the same time.

What if I move out of Minnesota while collecting benefits?

You can move and continue to collect Minnesota benefits if you are still looking for work in Minnesota or if you move for a job. Tell DEED about the move in your online account. If you move to another state and are looking for work there, you may need to file in that state instead. Contact DEED to clarify your situation.

Can I get my benefits faster if I do something special?

No. All claims go through the same review process, which takes one to three business days. The one-week waiting period is the same for everyone. Certifying early or calling DEED does not speed up approval. File as soon as you become unemployed so the waiting period starts right away.