How to File for Unemployment in Minnesota
Updated July 2026
Quick Answer
In Minnesota, unemployment claims are filed through Department of Employment and Economic Development. Most initial claims are processed within two to three weeks, though it can take longer if there's an issue with your claim.
Minnesota's UI program, run by the Department of Employment and Economic Development, is unusually strict about scheduling — the online application only accepts new claims Sunday through Friday between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m., so unlike most states you genuinely can't start a fresh claim on a Saturday.
What You'll Need
- Social Security number
- Driver's license or state ID number
- Employment history for the last 18 months (employer name, address, phone, dates, pay rate, separation reason)
- Bank account and routing number for direct deposit
- DD-214 Member 4 (if you served in the military in the last 18 months)
-
1
Check your timing
Apply the same week you become unemployed or your hours are cut — the day you apply won't reduce your benefit amount, but waiting will cost you eligible weeks.
-
2
Get your information together
Have your Social Security number, driver's license number, 18 months of employment history (employer contacts, dates, pay rate, separation reason), and bank account and routing number ready; entering your SSN wrong is called out as a common cause of delays.
-
3
Apply online at ui.mn.gov
Choose 'Applicant,' then 'Apply for Benefits,' enter your SSN as a new applicant, and work through the prompts to submit the application — online filing is only available Sunday-Friday, 6 a.m.-8 p.m.
-
4
Or apply by automated phone
Call 1-877-898-9090 (or 651-296-3644 in the Twin Cities) Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., pick a language, enter your SSN, and you'll be transferred to a representative to finish the application.
-
5
Watch for your Determination of Benefit Account
Minnesota mails this letter showing your weekly benefit amount and total available benefits — receiving it doesn't guarantee payment if an eligibility issue turns up later.
File Your Claim
Compare Other States
Unemployment rules, benefit amounts, and filing steps are set state by state. These share Minnesota's census region — useful if you're moving, or comparing how another state runs the program.
Helpful Guides
Unemployment Eligibility Requirements: Who Qualifies
The three tests every state uses to decide unemployment eligibility, and the separation reasons that typically help or hurt your claim.
Learn more →How Unemployment Benefits Work
A plain-English overview of how the joint federal-state unemployment insurance system works, from filing your first claim to your last payment.
Learn more →Unemployment Benefits for Self-Employed and Gig Workers
Regular unemployment insurance is built around W-2 payroll taxes, which is why freelancers and gig workers usually do not qualify — here is what does apply.
Learn more →Partial Unemployment Benefits: Working Part-Time While on Unemployment
Taking part-time work does not automatically end your unemployment claim — most states let you keep a reduced payment if you report your earnings correctly.
Learn more →