What Minnesota unemployment insurance covers and how to receive it
Minnesota unemployment insurance is a joint federal-state program that pays weekly benefits to workers who lose their job through no fault of their own. The state's Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) runs the program. You receive payments while you search for work, and the amount depends on your recent earnings and how long you worked before losing your job.
The program is funded by taxes employers pay into a state trust fund — not by income tax or general state revenue. This means the money comes from a dedicated source, and your employer's tax rate depends partly on how many former employees have drawn benefits. Minnesota's maximum weekly benefit amount changes each year based on state wage data. The duration of benefits typically ranges from 10 to 26 weeks, depending on the state's unemployment rate at the time you file.
To receive benefits, you must file a claim with DEED, report your earnings and job search activities each week, and meet ongoing requirements. The state processes claims online through its MNWorks portal or by phone. Most people receive their first payment within two to three weeks of filing, though this can vary depending on whether your claim requires additional review.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota unemployment insurance pays a weekly amount based on your earnings in the past year, with a maximum that changes annually.
- You must file your claim through MNWorks (the state's online system) or by calling DEED, and report your job search activities every week to keep receiving payments.
- Benefits last between 10 and 26 weeks depending on the state's unemployment rate, which is set by federal law and changes quarterly.
- You are ineligible if you quit your job without good cause, were fired for misconduct, or refuse suitable work without a valid reason.
- If your employer contests your claim, DEED holds a hearing where both sides present evidence before deciding whether you receive benefits.
Who can receive Minnesota unemployment insurance
You can receive benefits if you worked in Minnesota, lost your job through no fault of your own, and meet the state's earnings and employment history requirements. "No fault of your own" means you were laid off, your position was eliminated, or your hours were cut — not that you quit or were fired for misconduct. Minnesota requires that you earned at least $1,000 in the past year and worked for your employer for at least eight weeks. These thresholds are set by state law and do not change.
You must also be able and available to work — meaning you are physically able to take a job and not in school full-time or caring for a child that prevents you from working. If you are partially unemployed (working reduced hours), you can still receive a reduced benefit amount. Self-employed workers, independent contractors, and gig workers do not may have access to for regular unemployment insurance in Minnesota, though they may be covered under federal Pandemic Unemployment information if that program is active.
If you are receiving workers' compensation for a work injury, you may not receive unemployment benefits for the same period. Similarly, if you are receiving a pension from a previous employer, DEED will reduce your weekly benefit by a portion of that pension amount — this is called a "pension offset."
How to file your claim and report weekly
File your claim through MNWorks, the state's online portal, at mdes.mn.gov. You can also file by phone by calling the DEED Unemployment Insurance Division. When you file, you will need your Social Security number, driver's license or ID number, and information about your most recent job — including your employer's name, address, and the dates you worked there. Have your final pay stub available so you can report your last earnings accurately.
After you file, DEED sends your claim to your employer, who has ten days to respond. Your employer may contest the claim if they believe you quit, were fired for misconduct, or left for reasons that disqualify you. If your employer does not respond, your claim is approved. If they do contest it, DEED schedules a hearing where you and your employer can present your side of the story.
Once your claim is approved, you must file a weekly claim report every week you want to receive a payment. You do this through MNWorks or by phone. Each week, you report whether you worked, how much you earned, and whether you searched for work. If you worked part-time, report your gross earnings (before taxes) for that week. DEED uses this information to calculate your weekly payment — if you earned money, your benefit is reduced by a portion of those earnings.
Reasons you may be denied or lose benefits
DEED will deny your claim if you quit your job without good cause, were fired for misconduct, or refused suitable work. "Good cause" means a reason that would cause a reasonable person to leave — such as unsafe working conditions, wage theft, or a significant change in job duties. straightforward disliking your job or wanting higher pay is not good cause. "Misconduct" means deliberate or reckless violation of your employer's reasonable rules — being late once is not misconduct, but a pattern of tardiness after warnings may be.
You lose your benefits if you refuse a suitable job offer without a valid reason. A job is considered suitable if it matches your skills and experience, pays at least 75 percent of your previous wage, and does not require you to travel more than 30 miles from your home. You can refuse a job if it would interfere with a medical condition, require you to cross a picket line, or violate your religious beliefs, but you must explain your reason to DEED.
You also lose benefits if you fail to report your weekly claim, misreport your earnings or work hours, or fail to search for work as required. Minnesota requires that you make a reasonable effort to find work each week — the state does not specify an exact number of applications, but you should be able to document your search if DEED asks. If you are receiving benefits you are not may have access to to, DEED may demand repayment plus a penalty of 15 percent of the overpayment amount.
What happens if your employer contests your claim
When your employer contests your claim, DEED schedules a hearing before an administrative law judge. You and your employer each receive a notice with the hearing date, time, and phone number or video link. The hearing is informal — you do not need a lawyer, though you can bring one. Both you and your employer can present evidence, call witnesses, and ask questions. The judge then decides whether you are may have access to to benefits based on the facts presented.
If the judge rules against you, you can file an appeal with the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board within 30 days. The appeals board reviews the judge's decision and the evidence in the record — they do not hold a new hearing. If you disagree with the appeals board, you can file a further appeal in Minnesota state court, but this is rare and usually requires a lawyer.
During the hearing process, you do not receive payments. If you eventually win your appeal, DEED pays you all the benefits you were owed from the date you filed your original claim, minus any weeks you worked or earned money. This can take several months, so it is important to keep records of your job search and any communications with your employer.
How much you receive and how long benefits last
Your weekly benefit amount is calculated based on your earnings in the past year. Minnesota uses a formula that divides your total earnings by 52 weeks and pays you a percentage of that average — typically about 50 percent of your average weekly wage. The state sets a maximum weekly amount each year; for 2024, this maximum is $863 per week, but this amount changes annually based on state wage data. Your actual benefit will be lower if your average weekly wage was below the maximum.
The length of your benefits depends on Minnesota's unemployment rate. When the rate is below 5.5 percent, you receive benefits for 10 weeks. When it is between 5.5 and 7 percent, you receive 16 weeks. When it is 7 percent or higher, you receive 26 weeks. These thresholds are set by federal law and explore to all states. The unemployment rate is measured quarterly, so the duration of your benefits can change if the rate moves into a different range while you are receiving payments.
You receive your payments by direct deposit to your bank account or by debit card, depending on which method you choose when you file. Payments are made weekly, usually on the same day each week. If you return to work before your benefits end, you stop receiving payments — you do not need to do anything to stop them, as long as you report your work and earnings on your weekly claim.
Special situations and additional resources
If you are a worker laid off due to a plant closure or mass layoff, you may be may be able to access for Trade Adjustment information (TAA), a federal program that provides extended benefits and job training. TAA is separate from regular unemployment insurance and requires that your job loss be related to foreign trade. DEED can tell you whether your situation qualifies.
If you are a veteran, you may have access to additional services through the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs or the Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS), a federal program. These services can help you with job search, resume writing, and connections to employers who hire veterans. They do not replace unemployment insurance but work alongside it.
If you have questions about your claim, contact DEED by phone at 1-888-337-3276 or through MNWorks. The state also operates WorkForce Centers throughout Minnesota that offer free job search information, resume help, and connections to training programs. You are not required to use these services to receive unemployment benefits, but they can help you return to work faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive unemployment if I was fired?
Only if you were fired for reasons other than misconduct. If your employer fired you because you made a mistake, had a bad day, or did not meet performance standards, you may still be may have access to to benefits. If you were fired for deliberate rule-breaking, theft, or repeated violations after warnings, you are ineligible. Your employer must prove misconduct at the hearing.
What if I earned money while receiving unemployment?
Report your earnings on your weekly claim. Minnesota reduces your benefit by 50 percent of your earnings above $50 per week. For example, if you earned $200 and your weekly benefit is $400, you report $200 in earnings, and DEED pays you $300 ($400 minus 50 percent of $200). This allows you to work part-time while receiving partial benefits.
How long does it take to get my first payment?
Most claims are approved within two to three weeks if your employer does not contest them. If your employer contests your claim, you wait for the hearing decision, which can take four to eight weeks. You do not receive payments during this waiting period, but if you win, you receive all back payments at once.
Can I receive unemployment while in school?
Not if you are a full-time student. If you are a part-time student and working, you may be able to receive benefits as long as you are able and available to work full-time. Contact DEED to discuss your specific situation, as the rules depend on your course load and work schedule.
What happens if I move out of Minnesota?
You can continue to receive Minnesota unemployment benefits if you move to another state, as long as you remain able and available to work. You must continue to file your weekly claims and report your job search activities. If you move and find work in another state, report that income on your weekly claim.