Who’s in charge of Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Benefits?

Employment and Economic Development (DEED) administers Minnesota’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) Program.

The Minnesota UI Program offers a temporary partial income replacement to Minnesota workers who are laid off due to no fault of their own. In times of economic crisis, it acts as a stabilizer and stimulator, assisting companies in maintaining a trained workforce.

How To Qualify for Minnesota Unemployment Benefits

Residents of Minnesota who satisfy the following conditions are typically considered eligible for unemployment benefits:

  • Have adequate earnings for review during the base period
  • Working in the United States is legal. If a claimant is not a U.S. citizen, they must be able to show that they have the proper authority to work. They must also be unemployed or working considerably reduced hours due to no fault of their own.
  • Accept acceptable job whenever it is provided if you are able and accessible.

No eligibility determinations can be made until the initial unemployment claim is submitted and reviewed. If a claimant is unemployed for any reason other than the employer’s lack of work, Minnesota law requires that a formal process be followed to determine whether you are eligible for any UI benefit.

How Much Unemployment Benefits Will I Get in Minnesota?

  • Base Period: First 4 of the last 5 completed quarters
  • Alt Base Period: N/A
  • Duration of Benefits: 11-26 weeks
  • Weekly Payment: Min $28 to Max $462
  • Maximum Benefits Amount (1 year): $12,012-$19,240

How Do I Apply for Minnesota Unemployment Benefits?

Minnesota’s self-service system allows you to apply for unemployment insurance benefits either online or over the phone. The online Applicant Self-Service System is the quickest and most convenient method to apply for UI benefits and keep track of your account.

After you’ve set up your account, you can file your first unemployment claim by following the step-by-step instructions.

Sunday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., an automated phone option with English, Spanish, Hmong, and Somali languages is also accessible.

Use any of the following phone numbers to apply by phone:

  • Twin Cities area: 651-296-3644
  • Greater Minnesota: 877-898-9090
  • TTY (for the deaf and hard of hearing): 866-814-1252

How do I Manage My Minnesota Unemployment Benefits

You will be needed to complete a weekly certification to receive your weekly unemployment payment if you wish to continue receiving unemployment compensation on a regular basis. This weekly request can be submitted online or by phone using the self-service system at the numbers indicated above.

In only a few steps, you may complete your weekly certification:

  • Go to your current account and sign in.
  • Choose “Request a Benefit Payment” from the drop-down menu.
  • Answer the questions concerning the previous one-week period so that Minnesota can assess if you are still eligible for additional unemployment benefits. Any hours worked or revenue made from any job, including part-time work and self-employment, must be reported.

How Do I Appeal a Minnesota Unemployment Decision?

Any party that disputes with a finding made by the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program, including both the employee and the Minnesota employer, is entitled to a fair and impartial hearing under Minnesota UI benefits legislation.

If you disagree with a decision made about your claim, you can file an appeal online, via mail, or by fax within the timeframe specified on your determination letter.

To appeal an online judgment, log into your account, choose the decision you disagree with, and follow the appeal steps. You can also submit an application in writing using the procedures listed below:

  • Fax: 651-205-4007
  • Mail:
  • P.O. Box 4629
  • St. Paul, MN 55101-4629

Please note that if you file an appeal by fax or mail, you must include the following information:

  • Your name
  • Detailed reasoning for the appeal
  • Issue ID for your claim
  • Social Security number

How Do I Report a Minnesota Unemployment Fraud?

In Minnesota, the easiest way to report unemployment fraud and identity theft is through your online account, where you may click “Suspected Fraudulent Activity under Other Issues.” The state of Minnesota will analyze the information and take all necessary actions to remedy the problem as soon as possible.

You can also use the state of Minnesota’s online fraud form to report fraud concerns.

How Do I Talk to a Person in Minnesota Unemployment Customer Service?

Twin Cities area: 651-296-3644

Outside of the Twin Cities calling area: 1-877-898-9090 (toll-free)

TTY for the hearing impaired: 1-866-814-1252 (toll-free)

For more information on how to apply for unemployment insurance benefits, please visit the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance website.

Automated phone instructions

  • Step 1: Make your language choice: press
  • 1 for English, 2 for Spanish, 3 for Hmong, or 4 for Somali
  • (If you need another language, press 1 and follow the steps below to speak to a representative and request an interpreter.)
  • Step 2: Enter your Social Security number and password followed by the # key.
  • OR -If you are not asked to enter your password, press 2, and then press 0 to speak to a representative.
  • Step 3: Press 2 for other options;
  • Step 4: Press 3 for answers to commonly asked questions or to speak with a representative.
  • Step 5: Press 0 to speak to a representative.

What if I quit?

In general, you are not eligible if you leave your work freely.

If you quit for “good cause,” though, you may be able to collect. The state unemployment office determines what constitutes good reason, and you can make your case for getting benefits.

You should be entitled to a hearing if your claim is denied so that you can explain your claim. You should contact your local office because regulations and conditions differ from state to state.

Minnesota Unemployment Phone Number and Office Locations

Minnesota Unemployment  Office Minnesota Unemployment Office Locations Minnesota Unemployment Phone Number
Unemployment Office – Albert Lea 2200 Riverland DriveAlbert Lea, MN 56007-3145 507-369-1488
Unemployment Office – Alexandria 303 22nd Avenue WSuite 107Alexandria, MN 56308 320-391-9262
Unemployment Office – Austin 1600 8th Avenue NWAustin, MN 55912-1400 507-433-0555
Unemployment Office – Bemidji 2300 24th Street NWBemidji, MN 56601 218-444-0732
Unemployment Office – Blaine 1201 89th Avenue NESuite 235Blaine, MN 55434 763-324-2300
Unemployment Office – Bloomington 4220 West Old Shakopee RdSuite #200Bloomington, MN 55437 952-703-7730
Unemployment Office – Brainerd 204 Laurel StreetSuite 21Brainerd, MN 56401 218-828-2450
Unemployment Office – Brooklyn Park 7225 Northland Drive NBrooklyn Park, MN 55428 763-279-4400
Unemployment Office – Burnsville 2800 County Road 42 WBurnsville, MN 55337 952-703-3100
Unemployment Office – Cambridge 140 Buchanan St NSuite 152Cambridge, MN 55008-1756 763-279-4492
Unemployment Office – Chaska 602 East 4th StreetChaska, MN 55318 952-361-1711
Unemployment Office – Cloquet 14 North 11th StreetSuite 140Cloquet, MN 55720 218-878-5000
Unemployment Office – Cottage Grove 13000 Ravine Parkway SouthCottage Grove, MN 55016 651-430-4162
Unemployment Office – Crookston 2015 Sahlstrom DrCrookston, MN 56716 218-277-7330
Unemployment Office – Detroit Lakes 803 Roosevelt AvenueDetroit Lakes, MN 56502 218-846-7377
Unemployment Office – Duluth 402 West 1st StreetDuluth, MN 55802 218-302-8400
Unemployment Office – Fairmont 400 South State StreetSte 180Fairmont, MN 56031-0767 507-235-5518
Unemployment Office – Faribault 201 South Lyndale AvenueS1; Faribo Town SquareFaribault, MN 55021-5758 507-333-2088
Unemployment Office – Fergus Falls 1414 College WaySuite L180Fergus Falls, MN 56537 218-739-7675
Unemployment Office – Forest Lake 19955 Forest Road NorthForest Lake, MN 55025-9733 651-275-7265
Unemployment Office – Grand Rapids 1215 SE 2nd AvenueItasca Resource CenterGrand Rapids, MN 55744 218-327-6760
Unemployment Office – Hibbing 3920 13th Avenue EastHibbing, MN 55746-3675 218-231-8590
Unemployment Office – Hutchinson 2 Century Avenue SoutheastHutchinson, MN 55350 320-587-4740
Unemployment Office – International Falls 1501 Highway 71Rm SC 128International Falls, MN 56649 218-283-9427
Unemployment Office – Litchfield 114 North Holcomb AveSuite 170Litchfield, MN 55355-2273 320-593-1056
Unemployment Office – Little Falls 609 13th Ave NE Suite GLittle Falls, MN 56345 320-232-2000
Unemployment Office – Mankato 12 Civic Center PlazaSuite 1600AMankato, MN 56001-7796 507-344-2622
Unemployment Office – Marshall 607 West Main StreetThird FloorMarshall, MN 56258 507-476-4040
Unemployment Office – Minneapolis North 800 West Broadway AveMinneapolis, MN 55411 612-299-7200
Unemployment Office – Minneapolis South 777 East Lake StreetMinneapolis, MN 55407 651-539-4410
Unemployment Office – Montevideo 202 North 1st StreetSuite 100Montevideo, MN 56265 320-269-5561
Unemployment Office – Monticello 406 East 7th StreetPO Box 720Monticello, MN 55362 763-271-3700
Unemployment Office – Moorhead 715 11th Street NSuite 302Moorhead, MN 56560 218-287-5060
Unemployment Office – Mora 903 E Forest AvenueMora, MN 55051-1617 320-679-6484
Unemployment Office – New Ulm 1618 South BroadwaySuite 203New Ulm, MN 56073 507-508-4041
Unemployment Office – North Saint Paul 2266 2nd St NNorth St. Paul, MN 55109 651-266-9890
Unemployment Office – Red Wing 1606 West Third StreetRed Wing, MN 55066 651-385-6402
Unemployment Office – Rochester 2070 College View Rd ERochester, MN 55904 507-292-5152
Unemployment Office – Roseau 121 Center St E202Roseau, MN 56751 218-463-2233
Unemployment Office – Shakopee 752 Canterbury Road SouthShakopee, MN 55379-1840 952-496-8310
Unemployment Office – Saint Cloud 1542 Northway Dr.Door 2St. Cloud, MN 56303 320-308-5320
Unemployment Office – Saint Paul 540 Fairview Ave NorthSuite 103St. Paul, MN 55104 651-539-4100
Unemployment Office – Thief River Falls 1301 Highway 1 EThief River Falls, MN 56701 218-683-8060
Unemployment Office – Virginia 820 9th Street NorthVirginia, MN 55792-2345 218-735-3740
Unemployment Office – Wadena 124 1st Street SESuite 2Wadena, MN 56482-0643 218-631-7660
Unemployment Office – West Saint Paul 1 Mendota Road WestSuite 170West St. Paul, MN 55118 651-554-5955
Unemployment Office – Willmar 2200 23rd Street North EastSuite 2040Willmar, MN 56201-9423 320-441-6590
Unemployment Office – Winona 1250 Homer RdSuite 200Winona, MN 55987-4842 507-205-6060
Unemployment Office – Woodbury 2150 Radio DriveWoodbury, MN 55125 651-275-8650
Unemployment Office – Worthington 318 – 9th StreetPO Box 816Worthington, MN 56187 507-295-5020