What the Minnesota Unemployment Website Does

Minnesota's unemployment website, called UIMN (Unemployment Insurance Minnesota), is where you file your claim, check the status of payments, upload documents, and respond to requests from the state. You cannot file by mail or phone — the website is the only way to start a claim. Once you have filed, the site becomes your main tool for communicating with the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), which runs the program.

The website is free to use. You do not need to hire anyone or pay a fee to file. DEED staff do not contact you by email or text asking for personal information — if you receive a message claiming to be from DEED asking for your Social Security number or bank details, it is a scam.

The site works on desktop and mobile browsers. You will need your Social Security number, driver's license or ID number, and information about your recent job to get your free guide. If you do not have internet access, some libraries and workforce centers offer computers you can use.

Key Takeaways

  • You must file your claim on the UIMN website — there is no paper form or phone line to start a claim.
  • After you file, you log back in to check your claim status, see payment dates, and upload documents if DEED asks for them.
  • DEED will contact you through the website's message system or by mail if they need more information; they do not call or email asking for passwords or Social Security numbers.
  • If you cannot use the website, call the DEED Unemployment Insurance office at 1-877-896-5050 to ask about alternatives or get help navigating the site.
  • The website shows you the exact status of your claim — whether it is under review, approved, denied, or waiting for you to respond to a question.

How to Create Your UIMN Account and File

Go to uimn.org and select "File a Claim" or "Sign In" if you already have an account. You will need to create a username and password. The site will ask you to verify your identity — you can do this by answering security questions about your credit history, or by uploading a photo of your driver's license or ID card.

Once you are logged in, the website walks you through a series of questions about your job, why you are no longer working, and your work history for the past 18 months. Answer each question carefully and honestly. If you left your job voluntarily, DEED will ask why — the reason matters because it affects whether you are found to have "good cause" to leave. If you were fired, the site will ask what happened.

You can save your claim and come back to finish it later. The website will hold your answers for 30 days. Once you submit the claim, DEED begins reviewing it. You will see a confirmation number on the screen — write this down or take a screenshot.

Checking Your Claim Status and Payment Information

After you file, log back into UIMN to see where your claim stands. The website shows you whether your claim is "Under Review," "Approved," "Denied," or "Waiting for Your Response." If it says "Waiting for Your Response," there is a specific question or document DEED needs from you — the website will tell you what it is and when you need to send it.

Once your claim is approved, the "Payment History" section shows you the dates payments were sent and the amount. Payments are deposited into your bank account or onto a debit card, depending on how you set it up during filing. If you chose direct deposit, the money usually arrives within one to three business days after DEED processes the payment. If you chose the debit card, it may take longer.

The website also shows your "Weekly Claim Status" — this tells you whether you have filed your weekly claim (if Minnesota requires you to do so) and whether that week's payment has been processed. Do not assume you are being paid automatically; you may need to file a weekly claim to receive each week's payment.

Uploading Documents and Responding to DEED Requests

If DEED needs documents from you — such as a separation notice from your employer, proof of income, or a letter explaining why you left your job — the website will show a message saying "Action Required" or "Waiting for Your Response." The message will tell you exactly what document is needed and the important date to send it.

To upload a document, go to the "Documents" or "Correspondence" section of your account. You can upload a photo taken with your phone or a scanned PDF. Make sure the document is clear and readable. If DEED cannot read it, they will ask you to resubmit. The important date is firm — if you miss it, DEED may deny your claim without reviewing the document.

You can also use the website's message system to communicate with DEED. If you have a question about your claim, you can send a message through the site. Responses usually come within one to three business days, though during high-volume periods it may take longer. Do not expect an when ready reply.

What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied

If the website shows "Denied," DEED will send you a written explanation by mail. The letter will tell you the reason — for example, that you quit without good cause, that you were fired for misconduct, or that you do not meet the earnings requirement. Read the letter carefully and keep it.

You have the right to appeal a denial. The letter will include instructions on how to appeal and the important date, which is usually 30 days from the date on the letter. To appeal, you must file a written request with DEED or request a hearing before an administrative law judge. The website may have an "Appeal" button, or you may need to mail or email your appeal to the address on the denial letter.

If you appeal, you will have a chance to explain your side of the story. You can submit documents, written statements, or ask for a hearing where you can speak to a judge. Many people win their appeals, especially if they can show new information or clarify something DEED misunderstood.

Troubleshooting Common Website Problems

If you cannot log in, check that you are using the correct username and password. If you forgot your password, the website has a "Forgot Password" link that will send you a reset email. If you do not receive the email, check your spam folder. If you still cannot reset your password, call 1-877-896-5050 and ask for help.

If the website is slow or not loading, try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge) or clear your browser's cache and cookies. If the problem continues, it may be a temporary outage on DEED's end — try again in an hour. You can also call the office to check if the website is down.

If you see an error message when you try to upload a document, make sure the file is in a common format (PDF, JPG, or PNG) and is smaller than 10 megabytes. If the file is too large, take a new photo or re-scan at a lower resolution. If you still cannot upload, call DEED and ask if you can email or mail the document instead.

When to Call DEED Instead of Using the Website

Use the website for filing, checking status, and uploading documents. Call 1-877-896-5050 if you have a question the website does not answer, if you cannot use the website due to a disability or lack of internet access, or if you need to report a change in your situation (such as returning to work or moving to a new address).

The phone line is busiest on Mondays and Tuesdays. If you call, have your Social Security number and claim number ready. Wait times can be long during high-volume periods. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can use the Minnesota Relay Service by dialing 711, then providing the DEED number. If you speak a language other than English, ask the person who answers if an interpreter is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a claim on the website if I do not have a computer at home?

Yes. Many public libraries in Minnesota have computers available for free use. Some workforce centers also have computers. Call your local library or search "workforce center near me" to find a location. You can also ask a friend or family member to help you file on their computer.

How long does it take for DEED to approve my claim after I file?

Most claims are approved within one to two weeks. Some take longer if DEED needs to contact your employer or if there are questions about why you left your job. The website will show you the current status. If your claim has been under review for more than three weeks, call DEED to ask if they need anything from you.

What if I made a mistake on my claim?

Log back into the website and look for an option to amend or correct your claim. If you cannot find it, call DEED and explain the mistake. They can correct some information without you having to refile. The sooner you report the mistake, the better.

Will DEED contact me by email or text about my claim?

DEED will contact you through the website's message system and by mail. They do not send emails or texts asking for your password, Social Security number, or bank information. If you receive a message claiming to be from DEED asking for personal information, do not respond — it is a scam. Report it to DEED by calling 1-877-896-5050.

Can I check my claim status on the website if I am outside Minnesota?

Yes. The UIMN website works from anywhere. You can log in and check your status, upload documents, and communicate with DEED from any location. If you move out of state while receiving benefits, tell DEED — it may affect your benefits depending on the state you move to.