Know Your Rights: Unemployment Benefits in Minnesota

If you lost your job in Minnesota through no fault of your own, you may be able to get unemployment benefits. These benefits give you temporary income while you look for new work. Here is what you need to know.

Your Rights

1. You may qualify if you lost your job through no fault of your own. If you were laid off, your position was eliminated, or your employer closed, you can apply for unemployment benefits under Minn. Stat. § 268.085 .

2. You may still qualify if you quit for a good reason caused by your employer. If your employer created unsafe conditions, cut your pay significantly, or refused to address harassment, you may be eligible even though you quit. See Minn. Stat. § 268.095 .

3. Being fired for poor performance is generally not misconduct. Simple mistakes or not being able to do a job well enough are usually not considered misconduct. You may still qualify for benefits.

4. The entire process is free. You pay nothing to apply, file weekly certifications, appeal a denial, or attend a hearing.

5. You have 45 days to appeal a denial. If your claim is denied, you can appeal within 45 calendar days. The deadline is counted from the date the determination was sent, not when you received it. See Minn. Stat. § 268.105 .

6. You have the right to a hearing before an Unemployment Law Judge. If you appeal, you will get a telephone hearing where you can present evidence and testimony.

7. You can receive benefits for up to 26 weeks. Benefits last up to 26 weeks within a benefit year.

What to Do

• Apply the same week you lose your job. File online at uimn.org. Benefits do not start until the week you file, and they are not backdated.
• Certify every week. You must request your benefit payment each week online or by phone. If you miss a week, you will not get paid for that week.
• Report all earnings honestly. If you earn any income, report it when you certify. Failure to report earnings is fraud.
• Keep records of your job search. You must be actively looking for work each week to stay eligible.
• Read every determination carefully. If your claim is denied, note the reason and the deadline to appeal.
• Appeal right away if you are denied. Do not wait. You only have 45 days from the date the determination was sent.

Important Deadlines

Deadline	What It Means
Apply immediately	File the same week you lose your job – benefits start the week you file
1 week	There is a one-week waiting period before your first payment
Every week	You must file a weekly certification to receive payment
45 days	Deadline to appeal a denial (from the date the determination was sent)
45 days	Deadline to request reconsideration of an Unemployment Law Judge decision
45 days	Deadline to file for judicial review with the Minnesota Court of Appeals

Get Help

For more detail: See our full guide on Unemployment Benefits.