What you need to do to file for unemployment in Minnesota

Minnesota handles unemployment claims through the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), and you file online through their website or by phone. You will need your Social Security number, driver's license or ID number, and information about your last job — including your employer's name, address, and the dates you worked there. Most people file within a week or two of losing their job, though you can file later if you need to.

The state processes claims in the order they arrive, and you should hear back within two to three weeks. During that time, DEED verifies your work history with your employer and checks whether you meet the income and work requirements. If everything checks out, your first payment arrives by direct deposit or debit card, usually within one to two weeks after approval.

Key Takeaways

  • File through DEED's online portal at uimn.org or by calling 1-888-337-8846 within two weeks of losing your job to avoid delays in payment.
  • Have your Social Security number, ID, and your last employer's full name, address, and employment dates ready before you start.
  • Minnesota requires you to have earned at least $1,300 in the past 52 weeks and worked at least 16 weeks in the past two years to receive benefits.
  • You must report any income you earn while receiving benefits, and failure to do so can result in overpayment and penalties.
  • Weekly claims must be filed every Sunday through Friday on the DEED website or by phone to continue receiving payments.

Step-by-step: Filing your initial claim

Go to uimn.org and click "File a Claim" on the homepage. You will be asked to create an account or log in if you already have one. The system will walk you through questions about your job loss, your work history, and your personal information. Answer honestly — DEED cross-checks everything with your employer's records, and lying on a claim can disqualify you and lead to repayment demands.

When the form asks why you left your job, be specific. If you were laid off, say that. If you were fired, explain the reason — the state distinguishes between job loss through no fault of your own (which makes you may be able to access) and being fired for misconduct (which may not). If you quit, you will need a strong reason like unsafe working conditions or a significant cut in pay; quitting without cause usually disqualifies you.

After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Write it down. DEED will mail you a notice within one to two weeks telling you whether your claim was approved or denied. If denied, the notice explains why and how to appeal.

What information to have ready before you start

Gather these documents before you open the form: your Social Security number, your Minnesota driver's license or state ID number, and your last pay stub or W-2. You will also need your employer's legal business name (not just what you called it), their full street address, the phone number where you worked, and the dates you started and stopped working there. If you worked for a large company with multiple locations, use the address of the specific location where you worked.

If you earned income from self-employment in the past 18 months, have that information ready too — DEED asks about it, and you must report it. If you received severance pay, a bonus, or vacation payout after you left, have those amounts and dates. The more detail you provide upfront, the faster DEED can process your claim without asking follow-up questions.

Income and work requirements you must meet

Minnesota requires you to have earned at least $1,300 in gross wages during the past 52 weeks (one year). You must also have worked at least 16 weeks in the past two years. These are minimum thresholds — if you earned less than $1,300 or worked fewer than 16 weeks, you will not receive benefits. DEED checks these numbers against your employer's wage records, so there is no way around them.

The amount you receive each week depends on your average weekly wage over the past 52 weeks. Minnesota calculates this by taking your total wages in the past year, dividing by 52, and paying you a percentage of that amount — usually around 50 percent, though the exact rate changes yearly. The maximum weekly benefit amount also changes each year; contact DEED or check uimn.org for the current maximum.

How to file your weekly claims and keep payments coming

After your initial claim is approved, you must file a weekly claim every week you want to receive a payment. You can file online at uimn.org or by phone at 1-888-337-8846. File between Sunday and Friday of each week — do not wait until the following week, or you will miss that payment.

When you file your weekly claim, you will be asked whether you worked that week and, if so, how much you earned. You must report all income, including part-time work, gig work, cash jobs, and self-employment. If you earned money and do not report it, DEED will discover it during a wage match and demand repayment plus penalties. If you earned less than your weekly benefit amount, you still receive a partial payment for the difference.

You will also be asked whether you looked for work that week. Minnesota does not require you to prove you searched for jobs, but you must answer the question honestly. If you refuse work without good cause or stop looking, DEED can deny your claim.

What happens if DEED denies your claim

If you receive a notice of denial, read it carefully — it explains the specific reason. Common reasons include not meeting the income or work requirement, being fired for misconduct, or quitting without a valid reason. You have 30 days from the date on the notice to file an appeal with DEED's Appeals Section.

To appeal, fill out the form that comes with the denial notice and mail it back, or file online through uimn.org. DEED will schedule a phone hearing where you can explain your situation. Bring any documents that support your case — pay stubs, emails from your employer, medical records if you quit due to health reasons, anything that shows your side of the story. Many people win on appeal because they provide evidence the initial reviewer did not have.

Common mistakes that delay or deny claims

The biggest mistake is waiting too long to file. If you lose your job on a Monday, file that week — do not wait two months. Claims are backdated to the week you lost your job, but only if you file within a reasonable time. Filing late can cost you weeks of benefits.

The second mistake is not reporting income. If you work part-time or pick up gig work while receiving benefits, you must report every dollar. DEED matches your claim against wage records from employers and the IRS, and unreported income always comes to light. When it does, you owe back the overpayment plus interest.

The third mistake is giving vague or dishonest answers about why you left your job. If you were fired, say so and explain the circumstances. If you quit, explain why. DEED will contact your employer anyway, so lying only hurts you. If your story does not match what your employer tells them, your claim gets denied.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file for unemployment if I was fired?

You can file, but whether you receive benefits depends on why you were fired. If you were fired for misconduct — breaking a rule, being late repeatedly, or deliberately not doing your job — you are usually disqualified. If you were fired for poor performance despite trying, or for reasons unrelated to your conduct, you may still be may be able to access. DEED asks your employer why they fired you, so be honest about what happened.

How long do benefits last in Minnesota?

Minnesota provides up to 26 weeks of benefits in a standard year, though the number of weeks you receive depends on the state's unemployment rate. During periods of high unemployment, the state may extend benefits. Check uimn.org or call DEED to find out the current maximum for your situation.

What if I move out of Minnesota while receiving benefits?

You can continue to receive Minnesota benefits if you move, but you must file your weekly claims on time and report any work you do in your new state. If you move and find a job, you must report it when ready. Some states have reciprocal agreements with Minnesota, so contact DEED before you move to understand how it affects your claim.

Do I have to pay taxes on unemployment benefits?

Yes, unemployment benefits are taxable income. DEED does not withhold taxes automatically, but you can request that they do. If you do not have taxes withheld, you may owe money when you file your tax return. Talk to a tax professional or contact the IRS for guidance on your specific situation.

What if my employer says I quit when I was actually laid off?

File your claim and explain what actually happened. DEED will contact your employer to verify the separation reason. Bring any evidence you have — a layoff notice, an email, a text message, anything that shows you did not quit. If your story and your employer's do not match, DEED may schedule a hearing where you can present your evidence.