Unemployment Benefits in Minnesota

Overview

If you lose your job in Minnesota through no fault of your own, you may qualify for unemployment insurance benefits. These benefits provide temporary income while you look for new work.

Minnesota’s unemployment system is run by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) under Minn. Stat. § 268 . Benefits are funded by taxes paid by employers, not by workers.

You apply online at uimn.org. If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. This guide walks you through the full process, from application to appeal.

Who this guide is for: Minnesota workers who have lost a job or had their hours significantly reduced and need to apply for unemployment benefits, or who have been denied benefits and want to appeal.

Do I Have a Case?

You may be eligible for unemployment benefits if you meet all of these requirements:

• You lost your job through no fault of your own (layoff, reduction in force, business closure) or you quit with good reason caused by your employer
• You earned enough wages during the base period — the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you filed your claim
• You are able to work and available for work each week you claim benefits
• You are actively searching for new work each week
• You are not currently employed full-time

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Apply Online at uimn.org

File your application at uimn.org as soon as you lose your job or your hours are reduced. You will need:

• Your Social Security number
• Your driver’s license or state ID number
• Your employment history for the past 18 months (employer names, addresses, dates worked, and reason for leaving)
• Your banking information for direct deposit (optional but recommended)

Applications are processed by DEED. You will receive an Account Information page by mail or online confirming your base period wages and weekly benefit amount.

Tip

Apply the same week you lose your job. Benefits do not start until the week you file. There is a one-week waiting period before payments begin.

Step 2: File Weekly Certifications

Every week you want to receive benefits, you must request a benefit payment (also called weekly certification). You do this online at uimn.org or by phone.

When you certify each week, you will answer questions about whether you:

• Were able to work and available for work
• Looked for work (you must make reasonable job search efforts)
• Earned any income during the week
• Refused any job offers

You must report all earnings honestly. Failure to report income is fraud and can result in penalties.

You must certify every week to keep receiving benefits. If you miss a week, you will not receive payment for that week and your claim may be affected.

Step 3: Respond to Any Determination

DEED will review your application and may contact you or your former employer for more information. After the review, you will receive a determination that either approves or denies your benefits.

If your claim involves a quit or a discharge (firing), DEED will review the facts under Minn. Stat. § 268.095 :

• Quit with good reason caused by employer — You may still qualify if your employer created unreasonable conditions (such as unsafe working conditions, significant pay cuts, or harassment) that left you no reasonable alternative but to quit
• Fired for misconduct — You may be disqualified if DEED finds you were fired for a serious, intentional violation of your employer’s reasonable rules or standards
• Fired for reasons other than misconduct — You may still qualify (for example, if you were let go for poor performance rather than willful misbehavior)

Read the determination carefully. It will explain the reasons for the decision.

Step 4: File an Appeal If Denied

If your claim is denied, you have 20 calendar days from the date the determination was sent to file an appeal. You can file online at uimn.org or by fax or mail.

Your appeal will be heard by an Unemployment Law Judge (ULJ) at a telephone hearing. The hearing is your chance to present evidence and testimony.

The 20-day deadline is strict. If you miss it, you may lose your right to appeal. Count from the date the determination was sent, not the date you received it.

Step 5: Prepare for and Attend the ULJ Hearing

The ULJ hearing is a formal proceeding conducted by telephone. To prepare:

• Gather documents — pay stubs, emails, letters, employer policies, or anything that supports your case
• Line up witnesses — anyone who can confirm your version of events can participate by phone
• Write a timeline — organize the facts in order so you can present them clearly
• Review the determination — understand exactly why you were denied so you can address those issues

At the hearing, both you and your former employer can present testimony and evidence. The ULJ will ask questions. You may also ask questions of any witnesses.

Tip

Be honest, stay calm, and answer only the question asked. The ULJ is looking for facts, not arguments.

After the hearing, the ULJ will issue a written decision, usually within a few days.

Step 6: Further Appeals (If Needed)

If you disagree with the ULJ’s decision, you can:

1. Request reconsideration — Ask the ULJ to reconsider within 20 calendar days of the decision
2. Appeal to the Minnesota Court of Appeals — If reconsideration is denied, you may seek judicial review by filing a certiorari petition with the Minnesota Court of Appeals within 30 days

These further appeals are more complex. You may want to consult an attorney at this stage.

Key Deadlines

Deadline	Details
Apply as soon as possible	Benefits start the week you file — they are not backdated
One-week waiting period	No benefits are paid for the first week of your claim
Weekly certification	Must be filed each week to receive payment
20 days to appeal a determination	Counted from the date the determination was sent
20 days to request reconsideration	After ULJ decision is issued
30 days for judicial review	To file with the Minnesota Court of Appeals after reconsideration

Costs & Fees

Item	Cost
Filing an unemployment application	Free
Filing weekly certifications	Free
Filing an appeal	Free
ULJ hearing	Free
Request for reconsideration	Free
Judicial review (Court of Appeals)	Court filing fees apply

There is no cost to apply for unemployment benefits or to appeal a denial. The process is designed to be accessible without a lawyer, though legal help is available if you need it.

When to Get a Lawyer

Many people handle unemployment claims and appeals on their own. However, consider getting legal help if:

• Your claim was denied and you need to appeal
• Your employer is contesting your claim
• The case involves complicated facts about why you left your job
• You are facing a ULJ hearing and want help preparing
• You have been denied on reconsideration and want to appeal to the Court of Appeals

Free legal help is available through Legal Aid and the Volunteer Lawyers Network.

Related Guides

Wrongful Termination in Minnesota

A plain-language guide to understanding wrongful termination claims in Minnesota, including at-will employment exceptions, discrimination, retaliation, and how to take action.

Wage Theft and Unpaid Wages in Minnesota

What to do if your employer has not paid you. A plain-language guide to Minnesota wage theft laws, how to file a complaint, and your rights as a worker.

Workers' Compensation in Minnesota

A plain-language guide to workers' compensation in Minnesota, including how to report an injury, file a claim, and understand your benefits.

Workplace Harassment in Minnesota

A plain-language guide to understanding workplace harassment laws in Minnesota, including sexual harassment, hostile work environment, and how to file a complaint.

Where to Get Help

• DEED Unemployment Insurance Division — Questions about your claim. Call 651-296-3644 or visit uimn.org
• Minnesota State Law Library — Free legal research assistance. Visit mn.gov/law-library

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get unemployment benefits if I quit my job?

You may qualify if you quit for a good reason caused by your employer under Minn. Stat. § 268.095 . Examples include unsafe working conditions, a significant reduction in pay, or harassment that your employer failed to address. If you quit for personal reasons unrelated to your employer, you generally will not qualify.

How much will I receive in weekly benefits?

Your weekly benefit amount is based on your earnings during the highest-paying quarter of your base period. The maximum weekly benefit in Minnesota changes each year. DEED calculates your exact amount when you apply. You can estimate your benefits using the calculator at uimn.org.

How long do unemployment benefits last?

In Minnesota, you can receive unemployment benefits for up to 26 weeks within a benefit year. In some cases, federal extensions may be available during periods of high unemployment.

What happens if my former employer contests my claim?

Your former employer has the right to respond to your claim and provide their version of events. DEED will review information from both sides before making a determination. If the employer’s response leads to a denial, you can appeal.

Do I have to accept any job offer while receiving benefits?

You must accept an offer of suitable employment. What counts as suitable depends on your skills, experience, prior earnings, and how long you have been unemployed. You do not have to accept a job that pays far less than your previous position or that is not a reasonable match for your qualifications, especially early in your benefit year.

What if I earned some income this week but am still partially unemployed?

You must report all earnings when you certify each week. If you earn some income, your benefits may be reduced but not necessarily eliminated. DEED uses a formula that allows you to keep a portion of your earnings while still receiving partial benefits.