How to request payments on uimn.org

You request your unemployment benefit payments through the UIMN (Unemployment Insurance Minnesota) website at www.uimn.org. The process depends on whether you have already filed a claim or are requesting payment on an existing one. If you have an active claim, you log in with your username and password, navigate to the payment request section, and submit your request for the week or weeks you want to claim. UIMN processes most requests within three to five business days, though timing can vary depending on whether your claim needs additional review.

The payment request itself is not the same as filing an initial claim. Once your claim is approved, you return to UIMN regularly — usually weekly — to request payment for the weeks you were unemployed and met the program's requirements. Missing a payment request means you do not receive benefits for that week, even if you were unemployed.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have an active Minnesota unemployment claim before you can request payments through UIMN.
  • Payment requests are submitted weekly through your UIMN account and require you to confirm you were unemployed and available for work during that week.
  • UIMN processes most payment requests within three to five business days and deposits funds to your bank account or debit card on file.
  • If you cannot access your UIMN account or have questions about a specific payment, you can contact the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) by phone or through the UIMN website.

What you need before you can request payments

You need a UIMN account with an active claim that has already been approved. If you have not filed a claim yet, you must do that first through the UIMN website. The claim process asks for your Social Security number, employment history, reason for separation from your last job, and banking information for direct deposit.

Once your claim is approved, you will receive a notice in the mail or through your UIMN account. This approval notice tells you your weekly benefit amount and the week your benefits begin. You cannot request payment before that start date, and you cannot request payment for weeks before you filed your claim.

You also need to be able to log into your UIMN account. If you have forgotten your username or password, the UIMN website has a recovery option. If you cannot recover your account, you will need to contact DEED directly.

Steps to request a payment through UIMN

Start by going to www.uimn.org and logging in with your username and password. Once you are logged in, look for a section labeled "Request Payment" or "Weekly Claim" — the exact wording can change, but it is usually on your main dashboard or under a menu for active claims.

Select the week or weeks for which you want to request payment. UIMN will ask you to confirm that you were unemployed during that week, that you were available for work, and that you did not refuse any suitable job offers. Answer these questions honestly. If you worked any hours that week, even a few, you must report them — UIMN will reduce your payment based on your earnings.

Review your answers, then submit your request. You will see a confirmation message on screen. UIMN will send you an email confirmation as well. Keep that confirmation number in case you need to follow up on the status of your payment.

How long payments take and where they go

Most payment requests are processed within three to five business days. This means UIMN reviews your request, confirms you meet the requirements for that week, and approves or denies it. Once approved, the money is transferred to your bank account or debit card — whichever you listed when you filed your claim.

If you set up direct deposit, the funds usually arrive within one to two business days after UIMN approves the payment. If you chose a debit card instead, timing depends on your card issuer but is typically the same. Do not expect payment on the same day you submit your request.

If your payment is delayed beyond five business days, check your UIMN account for any messages from UIMN. Sometimes a payment request is held for additional review — for example, if you reported working hours or if UIMN needs to verify information about your separation from your job. You can also contact DEED to ask about the status.

What happens if you miss a weekly payment request

If you do not submit a payment request for a week you were unemployed, you do not receive benefits for that week. UIMN does not automatically pay you. You must actively request payment each week (or each two-week period, depending on your claim type).

In some cases, you can request payment for past weeks if you missed the important date, but this depends on UIMN's rules and how long ago the week was. Contact DEED to ask whether you can file a late request. Do not assume you can claim back pay without checking first.

Reporting work hours and other income

When you request a payment, UIMN asks whether you worked during that week. If you did, you must report your gross earnings — the total amount you earned before taxes. UIMN reduces your benefit payment based on how much you earned. The reduction is not dollar-for-dollar; Minnesota has a formula that allows you to earn some money without losing all your benefits.

You must also report other types of income, such as severance pay, vacation pay paid after you left your job, or self-employment income. Be honest about this. UIMN cross-checks your reports against employer records and tax documents, and misreporting can result in overpayment notices or disqualification from future benefits.

If you cannot access your UIMN account

If you have forgotten your username or password, use the "Forgot Username" or "Forgot Password" link on the UIMN login page. You will be asked to verify your identity using your Social Security number and other personal information. If you can recover your account this way, you can log back in and request payment when ready.

If you cannot recover your account or if you are locked out after multiple failed login attempts, contact the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. You can call their customer service line or use the contact form on the UIMN website. Have your Social Security number and claim number ready when you call. Wait times can be long, especially early in the week or during periods of high unemployment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request payment for multiple weeks at once?

Yes, UIMN allows you to request payment for multiple weeks in a single submission, as long as those weeks are within your claim period and you have not already requested payment for them. You will answer the same questions (were you unemployed, available for work, did you work) for each week you are claiming.

What if I worked part-time during a week I want to claim?

Report your gross earnings for that week when you request payment. UIMN will calculate your reduced benefit amount using Minnesota's earnings formula. You will still receive some payment as long as your earnings are below a certain threshold, but the amount will be less than your full weekly benefit.

How do I know if my payment request was approved?

Log back into your UIMN account and check the status of your claim. You should see a record of each payment request you submitted and whether it was approved, denied, or is still pending. UIMN also sends email notifications when a payment is approved or if there is a problem with your request.

What if UIMN denies my payment request?

UIMN will send you a notice explaining why the request was denied. Common reasons include reporting work hours that exceeded the earnings threshold, failing to confirm you were available for work, or information that does not match employer records. You have the right to appeal a denial. Instructions for appealing are included in the denial notice.

Can I request payment by phone instead of online?

UIMN's primary method for requesting payment is through the website. However, if you cannot access the website or need help, contact the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. They may be able to help you request payment over the phone, though online submission is faster and more reliable.