Minnesota's unemployment office is now online-first, but you can still reach staff by phone and mail

Minnesota's Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) runs the state's unemployment program. You no longer walk into a physical office to file or manage your claim — everything starts at uimn.org, the official state portal. Phone support is available, but there is no single "unemployment office" building where you show up in person. Instead, you work through the website, call the DEED Unemployment Insurance Division, or mail documents if you cannot use the online system.

The shift to online-first happened several years ago and is now the standard way Minnesota handles unemployment claims. This means faster processing in most cases, but it also means you need to know where to go when you have a problem, a question, or a document that will not upload.

Key Takeaways

  • File your claim at uimn.org, not at a physical office — this is the only way to start the process in Minnesota.
  • Call the DEED Unemployment Insurance Division at 1-888-209-8124 if you cannot file online or need to speak with someone about your claim.
  • Mail documents to DEED's St. Paul office only if you have no other way to submit them, and include your Social Security number and claim number on everything.
  • The website shows your claim status, payment history, and any issues that need your attention — check it regularly instead of calling about routine updates.
  • If you disagree with a decision to deny or reduce your benefits, you have 30 days to file an appeal through the same website.

How to file your claim online at uimn.org

Go to uimn.org and select "File a New Claim" or "File a Weekly Claim" depending on whether this is your first time or you are already receiving benefits. You will need your Social Security number, driver's license or ID number, and information about your last job — employer name, address, dates worked, and reason for separation (laid off, quit, fired, etc.).

The website walks you through each question. It usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. When you finish, you get a confirmation number. Save it. Minnesota then processes your claim and sends you a letter with your claim number and weekly benefit amount. This letter arrives by mail within one to two weeks, though you can see your status on the website sooner.

If you file a new claim, you must also file a weekly claim each week you want to receive payment. This is separate from the initial claim. You do this every Sunday through Friday on the website, answering whether you worked that week, earned money, or had other income. Missing a weekly claim means you do not get paid that week.

Phone support and what to expect when you call

The DEED Unemployment Insurance Division phone line is 1-888-209-8124. This is a toll-free number. Call if you cannot access the website, your claim is stuck, you have a question about a letter you received, or you need to report a problem.

Wait times are longest on Mondays and Tuesdays. The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time. Have your Social Security number and claim number ready when you call. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the Minnesota Relay Service by dialing 711.

Staff can tell you whether your claim is processing, explain why a claim was denied, help you file an appeal, or walk you through uploading a document if the website is not accepting it. They cannot speed up processing or override a decision, but they can tell you what to expect and what step comes next.

Mailing documents to DEED

Mail only if you truly cannot use the website or phone. Send documents to:

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Unemployment Insurance Division 332 Minnesota Street, Suite E200 St. Paul, MN 55101

Write your Social Security number and claim number on every page. Include a cover letter explaining what you are sending and why. Mail takes one to two weeks to arrive, and processing takes additional time after that. If your issue is time-sensitive — for example, you are appealing a denial and the 30-day window is closing — call instead.

Understanding your claim status and payment history on the website

Log into uimn.org with your username and password. The dashboard shows your current claim status (active, closed, pending, denied), your weekly benefit amount, how much you have been paid so far, and any weeks where payment was held or reduced. It also shows messages from DEED if they need more information from you.

Check this page weekly, especially if you are filing weekly claims. If you see a message asking for documents or information, respond right away — delays in responding can pause your payments. If you see a payment marked "held" or "pending," it usually means DEED is reviewing something about that week (for example, you reported earnings and they are calculating the reduction).

The website also shows your appeal status if you have filed one. You can see the date of your hearing, whether a decision has been made, and what the decision was.

Filing an appeal if your claim is denied or reduced

You have 30 days from the date on the letter denying or reducing your benefits to file an appeal. Do this on uimn.org by logging in and selecting "File an Appeal." You do not need a lawyer, but you can bring one to your hearing if you want.

After you file, DEED schedules a hearing with an administrative law judge. This usually happens by phone. You will receive a notice with the date and time. At the hearing, you explain why you believe the decision was wrong. The employer or DEED representative explains their side. The judge then makes a decision, which you receive by mail.

If you lose the appeal, you can ask for a further review, but this is a higher bar and happens rarely. The phone line (1-888-209-8124) can explain the appeal process and answer questions about your specific case.

What to do if you cannot access the website

If uimn.org is down, slow, or you are locked out of your account, call 1-888-209-8124. Staff can file a claim over the phone, file a weekly claim for you, or reset your password. They can also tell you if the website is experiencing a known outage.

If you have never created an account, go to uimn.org and select "Create Account." You will need your Social Security number and a valid email address. If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page — Minnesota sends a reset link to your email.

If you are having trouble with a specific part of the form — for example, it will not accept your employer's address — call and describe the problem. Staff can sometimes submit the form manually or tell you what format the website needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I go to a physical DEED office to file my claim in person?

No. Minnesota processes all unemployment claims through uimn.org. There is no in-person filing option. If you do not have internet access, call 1-888-209-8124 and staff can help you file over the phone or direct you to a library or community center with free internet.

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

Processing usually takes one to two weeks. You receive a letter with your claim number and weekly benefit amount by mail. Payments are deposited to your bank account or sent to a debit card, depending on what you choose. If DEED needs more information from you, processing takes longer.

What if I moved and did not update my address?

Update your address on uimn.org right away. Go to your account settings and change your mailing address. If you have already missed a letter from DEED, call 1-888-209-8124 and ask them to resend it or tell you what it said. An outdated address can cause you to miss important notices about your claim.

Do I need to report my job search to DEED?

Minnesota does not require you to report specific job searches to DEED as part of your weekly claim. However, you must be ready and willing to work, and you cannot refuse suitable work. If DEED asks you to document your job search, you must provide it. Ask the phone line what counts as suitable work in your situation.

What happens if I go back to work while receiving benefits?

Report your earnings on your weekly claim form. Minnesota reduces your benefit payment based on how much you earned that week, but you may still receive a partial payment. Do not skip filing your weekly claim — if you do not report the earnings, DEED may ask you to repay the overpayment later.