While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Unemployment Insurance program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Unemployment Insurance is a benefit program designed to replace part of the income of recently unemployed or underemployed workers. Unemployment Insurance is available to workers who are out of work through no fault of their own.
Learn more about Unemployment on Minnesota’s Unemployment Program Overview page here.
Unemployment Insurance Benefits are weekly payments given to eligible workers who apply to and are accepted into the program. These payments are typically provided via direct deposits to the beneficiary’s bank account.
Learn more about how Unemployment Insurance payments work here.
To qualify for Unemployment Insurance in Minnesota, you must:
You can learn more about Minnesota’s requirements to qualify for Unemployment Insurance here.
Apply for benefits online here during the week you are seeking payment, when your hours have been reduced or when you are no longer employed. Do NOT wait until the week is over.
Learn more information on when to apply for Unemployment Insurance here.
To apply for Unemployment Insurance in Minnesota, complete the following three steps:
Learn what documents and information you need here.
To apply for Unemployment Insurance online, click here to access Minnesota’s Unemployment claim portal. The online portal is available Sunday through Friday from 6:00 AM until 8:00 PM CST.
To apply for Unemployment Insurance over the phone, call (651) 296-3644 from the Twin Cities area or 1 (877) 898-9090 from other areas. The phone line is available Sunday through Friday from 6:00 AM until 8:00 PM CST.
You must file on the specific day that coordinates with your Social Security Number (SSN). See the filing schedule below:
| Last Digit of SSN | Day to Apply Online |
|---|---|
| 0, 1 or 2 | Monday |
| 3, 4 or 5 | Tuesday |
| 6, 7 or 8 | Wednesday |
| Any | Thursday |
| Any | Friday |
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program Monday through Friday from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM at (651) 296-3644 from the Twin Cities area or 1 (877) 898-9090 from other areas.
For more information on the application process, click here.
The amount of Unemployment Benefits you receive is based on your past reported earnings by employers that you have worked for in Minnesota. To determine how much an applicant will receive in Unemployment Benefits each week, the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Agency takes approximately 0.5 percent of your average weekly earnings in the base period.
The maximum weekly benefit amount is $740. To learn more about benefit payments, click here. You can get an approximation of how much you will receive with the MN Benefits Estimator here.
The week after you file your unemployment claim is called the Waiting Week (also known in Minnesota as the non-payable week). During the Waiting Week, you must file a Weekly Certification Application through the claimant portal and the Unemployment Office will make sure you are still unemployed or underemployed, and meet all other eligibility requirements.
If approved, you will begin receiving your weekly benefits the following week. You are not paid for the Waiting Week, but you do receive a Waiting Week credit. You can access the Minnesota claimant portal here.
Learn more about the Weekly Certification Application on page 8 of this handbook.
Keep track of your work-search contacts. You are required to make at least two contacts per week to receive payments and waiting week credit.
If you were discharged or quit your last job, expect a call (or email if that is your preferred contact method) to determine if you are eligible for unemployment insurance.
You can learn more about what to expect after applying here.
You must file a Weekly Certification Application every week you are receiving Unemployment Benefits until you are employed again. This weekly claim is like a follow-up application that certifies your continued eligibility for the program, and proves you are actively applying for new jobs.
Learn more about the Weekly Certification Application on page 8 of this handbook. File your Weekly Certification Applications here.
You must file your claim on the specific day that coordinates with your Social Security Number (SSN). See the filing schedule below:
| Last Digit of SSN | Day to Apply Online |
|---|---|
| 0, 1 or 2 | Monday |
| 3, 4 or 5 | Tuesday |
| 6, 7 or 8 | Wednesday |
| Any | Thursday |
| Any | Friday |
You can also file your weekly claim by calling the automated line at (651) 296-3644 from the Twin Cities area or 1 (877) 898-9090 from other areas. The phone line is available Sunday through Friday from 6:00 AM until 8:00 PM CST. You must call on the specific day that coordinates with your Social Security Number (SSN). See the schedule below:
| Last Digit of SSN | Day to Call | Time to Call |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 3 or 5 | Tuesday | 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM |
| 7 or 9 | Tuesday | 12:00 to 6:00 PM |
| 0, 2 or 4 | Wednesday | 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM |
| 6 or 8 | Thursday | 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM |
| Any | Thursday or Friday | 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
It is important to remember that your Unemployment benefits may be denied or delayed if you fail to submit your weekly application.
You can learn more about the next steps and filing weekly claims here.
If your Unemployment Insurance application was denied, you have the right to file an appeal with the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Agency.
To file an appeal online, log into the Unemployment Insurance portal here and click “View and Maintain My Account.” Then, click “Determination and Issue Summary” and find the issue identification number that matches the one on your denial letter.
To file an appeal by mail, send a letter explaining your disagreement to:
P.O. Box 4629
St. Paul, MN
55101-4629
You can fax an appeal to the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Agency at (651) 205-4007.
If you choose to mail or fax an appeal, it must include the following information:
If you have general questions about Minnesota Unemployment Benefits, call the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program’s customer service center at (651) 296-3644.
Contact your local Unemployment Office or visit an office in person. Find your nearest Unemployment Office location and contact information here.
The Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program’s customer service is available Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM until 2:00 PM, except for observed holidays noted here.
Find answers to other topics related to Unemployment Insurance on the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance FAQs page here.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Unemployment Insurance program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free Unemployment Insurance Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility requirements and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.
If you have general questions about Minnesota Unemployment Benefits or an Unemployment Insurance claim, call the Unemployment Insurance Department at (651) 296-3644 from the Twin Cities area or 1 (877) 898-9090 from other areas.
For general and account questions, call Monday through Thursday between 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
For password issues, call Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM.
To apply for Unemployment Insurance by phone, call Friday between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM.
You can reach Minnesota Unemployment Insurance by mail at:
UI Customer Service
P.O. Box 4629
St. Paul, MN 55101-4629
There are many local unemployment offices located throughout the state. Find contact information for all offices in Minnesota below. Or, go to the Minnesota CareerForce location page here.
| Location | Address | Phone Number | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dakota County | 1 Mendota Road W, Suite 170, West St. Paul, MN 55118-4764 | 651-554-5955 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Albert Lea | 2200 Riverland Drive, Albert Lea, MN 56007-1868 | 507-379-3409 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Alexandria | 303 22nd Avenue W Suite 107, Alexandria, MN 56308-2796 | 320-762-7800 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Anoka County (Blaine) | 1201 89th Avenue NE, Suite 235, Blaine, MN 55434-3372 | 763-783-4800 | M, W, TH, F: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tu: 8:00 AM-6:00 PM |
| Austin | 1600 8th Ave NW, Austin, MN 55912-1400 | 507-433-0555 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Bemidji | 616 America Avenue NW Suite 210, Bemidji, MN 56601-3859 | 218-333-8200 | Information Not Available |
| Brainerd | 204 Laurel Street Suite 21, Brainerd, MN 56401-3552 | 218-828-2450 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Cambridge | 140 Buchanan Street N suite 152, Cambridge, MN 55008-1640 | 763-279-4492 | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM *Closes for lunch
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM |
| Cloquet | 715 Cloquet Ave, Cloquet, MN 55720-1629 | 218-878-4414 | Information Not Available |
| Crookston | 1730 University Ave, Crookston, MN 56716-1112 | 218-281-6020 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Dakota County – Burnsville | 2900 County Road 42 W Suite 140, Burnsville, MN 55337-4854 | 952-895-7600 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Detroit Lakes | 801 Roosevelt Avenue, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-3703 | 218-846-7379 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Duluth | 320 W 2nd Street, Duluth, MN 55802-1406 | 218-723-4730 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Fairmont | 412 S State Street, Fairmont, MN 56031-4147 | 507-235-5518 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Faribault | 201 Lyndale Ave S Suite 1, Faribault, MN 55021-5758 | 507-333-2047 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Fergus Falls | 125 W Lincoln Avenue Suite 1, Fergus Falls, MN 56537-2144 | 218-739-7560 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Grand Rapids | 1215 SE 2nd Ave, Grand Rapids, MN 55744-3982 | 218-327-4480 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Hennepin North (Brooklyn Park) | 7225 Northland Drive, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428 | 763-279-4400 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Hennepin South (Bloomington) | 4220 W Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington, MN 55437-2949 | 952-346-4000 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Hibbing | 3920 13th Avenue E, Hibbing, MN 55746-3675 | 218-262-6777 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Hutchinson | 2 Century Ave SE, Hutchinson, MN 55350-0550 | 320-587-4740 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| International Falls | 1501 Highway 71, SC 128, International Falls, MN 56649-2160 | 218-283-9427 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Litchfield | 114 N Holcombe Avenue Suite 170, Litchfield, MN 55355-2273 | 320-693-2859 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Little Falls | 315 12th Street NE, Little Falls, MN 56345-2910 | 320-616-2400 | M, Tu, Th, F: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
W: 8:00 AM-8:00 PM |
| Mankato | 12 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato, MN 56001-7796 | 507-389-6723 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Marshall | 607 W Main Street Marshall, MN 56258-3021 | 507-537-6236 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Minneapolis North | 1200 Plymouth Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411-4085 | 612-520-3500 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Minneapolis South | 777 E Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407-1546 | 612-824000 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Montevideo | 202 N 1st Street, Montevideo, MN 56265-1404 | 320-269-8819 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Monticello | 406 E 7th St, Monticello, MN 55362-0720 | 763-271-3700 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Moorhead | 715 11th Street N Suite 302, Moorhead, MN 56560-2086 | 218-287-5060 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Mora | 903 Forest Avenue E, Mora, MN 55051-1431 | 320-679-6484 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| New Ulm | 1618 S Broadway Street, New Ulm, MN 56073-3756 | 507-354-3138 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Owatonna | 631 N Cedar Ave, Owatonna, MN 55060-2323 | 507-446-1470 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Ramsey County-North St. Paul | 2098 11th Avenue E, North St Paul, MN 55109-5100 | 651-779-5666 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Ramsey County-St. Paul | 540 Fairview Ave N, St. Paul, MN 55104-1707 | 651-642-0363 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Red Wing | 1606 W 3rd Street, Red Wing, MN 55066-2086 | 651-385-6480 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Rochester | 300 11th Ave NW, Rochester, MN 55901-2739 | 507-285-7315 | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Scott County (Shakopee) | 752 Canterbury Road S, Shakopee, MN 55379-1840 | 952-445-7087 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| St. Cloud | 1542 Northway Drive, St. Cloud, MN 56302-0067 | 320-308-5320 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Thief River Falls | 1301 Highway 1 E, Thief River Falls, MN 56701-2500 | 218-681-0909 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Virginia | 820 N 9th Avenue Suite 250, Virginia, MN 55792-2345 | 218-748-2200 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Wadena | 124 1st Street SE, Wadena, MN 56482-1538 | 218-631-7660 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Washington County Cottage Grove | 13000 Ravine Parkway South, Cottage Grove, MN 55016-6102 | 651-430-4162 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Washington County Forest Lake | 19955 Forest Road North, Forest Lake, MN 55025-9733 | 651-275-7265 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Washington County Woodbury | 2150 Radio Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125-9453 | 651-275-8650 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Willmar | 2200 23rd Street NE Suite 2040, Willmar, MN 56201-9423 | 320-441-6590 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Winona | 1250 Homer Road, Winona, MN 55987-4897 | 507-453-2920 | 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Worthington | 318 9th Street, Worthington, MN 56187-2342 | 507-376-3116 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
To find more information on Minnesota Unemployment Benefits and Services, visit:
To file an Unemployment Insurance claim online or by phone:
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Unemployment Insurance program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free Unemployment Insurance Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility requirements and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.
To apply for Unemployment Insurance in Minnesota, complete the following three steps:
Learn what documents and information you need here.
To apply for Unemployment Insurance online, click here to access Minnesota’s Unemployment claim portal. The online portal is available Sunday through Friday from 6:00 AM until 8:00 PM CST. To apply for Unemployment Insurance over the phone, call (651) 296-3644 from the Twin Cities area or 1 (877) 898-9090 from other areas. The phone line is available Sunday through Friday from 6:00 AM until 8:00 PM CST.
You must file on the specific day that coordinates with your Social Security Number (SSN). See the filing schedule below:
| Last Digit of SSN | Day to Apply Online |
|---|---|
| 0, 1 or 2 | Monday |
| 3, 4 or 5 | Tuesday |
| 6, 7 or 8 | Wednesday |
| Any | Thursday |
| Any | Friday |
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program Monday through Friday from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM at (651) 296-3644 from the Twin Cities area or 1 (877) 898-9090 from other areas.
For more information on the application process, click here.
If you have already applied for Unemployment Insurance online, you can check the status of your claim by logging into the Unemployment Insurance here.
You can also check the status of your application by calling the Unemployment Insurance Agency at (651) 296-3644 from the Twin Cities area or 1 (877) 898-9090 from other areas. The phone line is available Sunday through Friday from 6:00 AM until 8:00 PM CST.
You will not begin receiving Unemployment Benefits immediately after submitting the application. By law, you must wait one week before finding out whether you will begin receiving benefits. This is called the Waiting Week and in Minnesota it’s known as Non-payable Week.
The week after you file your unemployment claim is called the Waiting Week. During the Waiting Week, you must file a Weekly Certification Application through the claimant portal and the Unemployment Office will make sure you are still unemployed or underemployed, and meet all other eligibility requirements. If approved, you will begin receiving your weekly benefits the following week. You are not paid for the Waiting Week, but you do receive a Waiting Week credit. You can access the Minnesota claimant portal here.
Learn more about the Weekly Certification Application on page 9 of this handbook.
If your Unemployment Insurance application was denied, you have the right to file an appeal with the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Agency.
To file an appeal online, log into the Unemployment Insurance portal here and click “View and Maintain My Account.” Then, click “Determination and Issue Summary” and find the issue identification number that matches the one on your denial letter.
To file an appeal by mail, send a letter explaining your disagreement to:
P.O. Box 4629
St. Paul, MN
55101-4629
You can fax an appeal to the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Agency to (651) 205-4007.
If you choose to mail or fax an appeal, it must include the following information:
For help with an Unemployment Insurance application, or for any further questions about your Unemployment Insurance claim, call the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program at (651) 296-3644 from the Twin Cities area or 1 (877) 898-9090 from other areas
You can also visit or call a local Unemployment Office for further assistance. Find your nearest Unemployment Office location and contact information here.
The Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program customer service telephone line is available Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM until 2:00 PM, except for observed holidays.
Find answers to other topics related to Unemployment Insurance on the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance FAQs page here.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Unemployment Insurance program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free Unemployment Insurance Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility requirements and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.
