How do I file for unemployment benefits in Minnesota?

Q: How do I file for unemployment benefits in Minnesota?

Minnesota unemployment is administered by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) under Minn. Stat. Ch. 268 . 1. How and When to File - File online at uimn.org , or by phone with the Minnesota UI Customer Service. - File the first week of unemployment. - A one-week non-payable waiting week applies. 2. Weekly Benefit Amount - Range: $39 to $914 per week (2025) — one of the higher caps. - Calculated as 50% of average weekly wage in the base period (approximately). - Maximum 26 weeks of regular benefits. 3. Eligibility Requirements (Minn. Stat. § 268.07) - Wages in at least two quarters of the base period. - Sufficient earnings: typically minimum total base-period wages of about $3,500 . - Lost work through no fault of your own — not discharged for employment misconduct (§ 268.095(6)) or voluntary quit without good reason caused by the employer (§ 268.095(1)). - Be available for and actively seeking suitable employment . 4. Work Search Requirement - Must make at least 3 work search actions per week . - Must register at MinnesotaWorks.net . - Maintain detailed records. 5. Requesting Payment - Request payment every week online or by phone. - Earnings up to 50% of WBA are disregarded. 6. Appeals - Appeal a denial within 20 calendar days of mailing. - Hearings are conducted by Unemployment Law Judges. This is legal information, not legal advice.

Question

Accepted Answer

Minnesota unemployment is administered by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) under Minn. Stat. Ch. 268.

1. How and When to File

File online at uimn.org, or by phone with the Minnesota UI Customer Service.

File the first week of unemployment.

A one-week non-payable waiting week applies.

2. Weekly Benefit Amount

Range: $39 to $914 per week (2025) — one of the higher caps.

Calculated as 50% of average weekly wage in the base period (approximately).

Maximum 26 weeks of regular benefits.

3. Eligibility Requirements (Minn. Stat. § 268.07)

Wages in at least two quarters of the base period.

Sufficient earnings: typically minimum total base-period wages of about $3,500.

Lost work through no fault of your own — not discharged for employment misconduct (§ 268.095(6)) or voluntary quit without good reason caused by the employer (§ 268.095(1)).

Be available for and actively seeking suitable employment.

4. Work Search Requirement

Must make at least 3 work search actions per week.

Must register at MinnesotaWorks.net.

Maintain detailed records.

5. Requesting Payment

Request payment every week online or by phone.

Earnings up to 50% of WBA are disregarded.

6. Appeals

Appeal a denial within 20 calendar days of mailing.

Hearings are conducted by Unemployment Law Judges.

This is legal information, not legal advice.