What Minnesota unemployment benefits cover and how much you receive

Minnesota's unemployment insurance program replaces part of your lost wages when you lose a job through no fault of your own. The state calculates your weekly benefit amount based on your earnings during a specific period before you lost work, called the base period. Most people receive between 50% and 66% of their average weekly wage, up to a maximum amount that changes each year.

The maximum weekly benefit amount in Minnesota is set annually and depends on the state's average weekly wage. For 2024, the maximum is $863 per week, though your actual amount depends on what you earned. You can receive benefits for up to 26 weeks in a standard benefit year, though during periods of high unemployment, the state may offer extended benefits that add additional weeks.

Benefits are paid by direct deposit or debit card, typically within 7 to 10 days of your claim being approved. You must report your income each week if you work part-time or earn any wages during the week you claim benefits—even a few hours of work can reduce or eliminate that week's payment.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota calculates your weekly benefit amount using your earnings from the base period, which is typically the first four of the five calendar quarters before you filed your claim.
  • You must file your claim with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) within two years of losing your job, or you lose the right to those benefits.
  • You are required to report any work, self-employment income, or training you do each week, because even part-time earnings reduce your benefit payment.
  • Minnesota offers work-search requirements and job training programs through DEED, and some workers may be able to extend benefits beyond 26 weeks during high-unemployment periods.

How to file your claim with DEED

You file your unemployment claim directly with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), which administers the program. You can file online through the DEED website, by phone, or in person at a local DEED office. Most people file online because it is the fastest route and you can do it when ready after losing your job.

When you file, you will need basic information: your Social Security number, driver's license or state ID number, your employer's name and address, the date you stopped working, and the reason you are no longer employed. If you were laid off, fired, or quit, the reason matters—you must have lost your job through no fault of your own to receive benefits. If you quit voluntarily without good cause, or were fired for misconduct, you will be denied.

DEED will contact your employer to verify the information you provided. Your employer may dispute your claim, saying you quit or were fired for cause. If that happens, DEED holds a hearing where both you and your employer can present evidence. You have the right to attend and speak, and you can bring documents or witnesses.

Work-search requirements and reporting your weekly activity

Minnesota requires you to search for work each week you claim benefits. You must make at least three job contacts per week—explore for jobs, attending interviews, or registering with a job service counts. You do not have to submit proof of these contacts when you file your weekly claim, but you must keep records in case DEED asks to see them later.

Each week, you file a weekly claim form reporting whether you worked, earned any income, or attended training. If you worked even one hour, you must report it and the amount you earned. DEED will subtract your earnings from your benefit amount using a formula: they allow you to keep a portion of what you earn before reducing your payment. The exact calculation depends on your weekly benefit amount, but generally you can earn roughly $25 to $50 per week before your benefits are reduced dollar-for-dollar.

If you fail to file your weekly claim on time, you lose that week's payment. If you do not meet the work-search requirement and cannot show good cause (such as illness or a job interview that week), DEED may deny your claim or reduce your benefits.

When DEED may deny or reduce your benefits

DEED denies benefits if you quit your job without good cause, were fired for misconduct, or refused suitable work without a valid reason. "Good cause" means you had a legitimate reason to leave—unsafe working conditions, a significant cut in pay or hours, or a family emergency that made continuing impossible. straightforward disliking your job or wanting higher pay is not good cause.

You may also be denied if you are receiving other income that counts as wages, such as severance pay, vacation pay paid out after you leave, or workers' compensation. Some types of income do not count—Social Security, pension payments, and interest do not affect your unemployment benefits. If you are unsure whether something counts, contact DEED before you file.

If DEED denies your claim, you receive a written decision explaining why. You have the right to request a hearing before an administrative law judge within 30 days. At the hearing, you can present evidence and witnesses. Many people win on appeal because they can show they had good cause to quit or that the employer's reason for firing them was not valid.

Extended benefits and programs during high unemployment

During periods when Minnesota's unemployment rate is high, the state activates Extended Benefits (EB), which adds up to 13 additional weeks of payments beyond the standard 26 weeks. Extended Benefits are not automatic—you must have exhausted your regular 26 weeks first, and the state must have triggered the program based on unemployment data. When EB is active, DEED notifies people who are nearing the end of their regular benefits.

Minnesota also offers Retraining and Workforce Development programs through DEED. If your industry is declining or your skills are outdated, you may be able to take classes or training while receiving benefits. Some training programs allow you to continue receiving unemployment payments while you study, though the rules vary by program. Contact your local DEED office or a workforce development center to learn what training is available in your area.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government added temporary programs like Pandemic Unemployment information (PUA) and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), which provided extra weeks and extra money. These programs ended in September 2021. If you received those payments and DEED later determined you were not may have access to to them, you may receive a notice asking you to repay the money. You have the right to request a hearing to dispute the overpayment.

What happens if you return to work or your circumstances change

If you find a job, you must report it when ready on your next weekly claim. Your benefits will stop the week you return to work, even if you work only part-time. If you earn wages that week, DEED calculates your payment using the earnings formula described above. If your earnings are high enough, you receive no payment that week, but your claim remains open and you can file again the following week if you are laid off or have reduced hours.

If your situation changes—you move, your phone number changes, or you are no longer able to work—contact DEED to update your information. If you become unable to work due to illness or injury, you may not be able to meet the work-search requirement. Contact DEED to explain your situation; they may waive the requirement temporarily or refer you to disability programs.

If you receive an overpayment notice—meaning DEED says you were paid benefits you were not may have access to to—you have the right to request a hearing. Overpayments happen when an employer disputes your claim and wins, or when you failed to report income correctly. You can ask DEED to set up a payment plan rather than repay the full amount at once.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to receive my first payment after I file?

DEED typically processes claims within 7 to 10 days if everything is in order and your employer does not dispute your claim. If your employer contests the claim, the process takes longer—usually two to four weeks while DEED investigates and holds a hearing if needed. You can check the status of your claim online through your DEED account.

Can I receive unemployment if I was laid off due to lack of work?

Yes. A layoff due to lack of work, business closure, or reduction in force is a loss of employment through no fault of your own. You are may have access to to file. Your employer may not dispute the claim because the reason is clear. File as soon as you are laid off to start the clock on your benefit year.

What if I was fired but I disagree with the reason my employer gave?

You have the right to a hearing before an administrative law judge. Bring any documents showing your work performance, emails, or witness statements from coworkers. Many people win because employers cannot prove misconduct or because the reason given does not meet the legal definition of disqualifying conduct. Request the hearing within 30 days of receiving the denial.

Do I have to report gig work or self-employment income?

Yes. Any income you earn, including gig work, freelance work, or self-employment, must be reported on your weekly claim. DEED will reduce your benefit payment based on what you earned. Self-employment income is calculated differently than wages, so contact DEED if you are unsure how to report it.

What if I cannot find work and my 26 weeks run out?

If Extended Benefits are active in Minnesota, you may receive up to 13 additional weeks. If EB is not active, your benefits end. Contact your local workforce development center about job training, career counseling, or other programs that may help you find work. Some people also look into other information programs like SNAP or emergency aid while they continue searching.