Learn How To Apply For Unemployment Claims With Our Guide

Learn How To Apply For Unemployment Claims With Our Guide

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Unemployed workers wondering, How can I sign up for unemployment in Minnesota? have various methods to choose from. As required by federal law, the state of Minnesota provides unemployment insurance to qualified individuals while they look for a new job.

To apply for unemployment benefits in MN, residents must file for unemployment with the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The MN unemployment EDD application is for individuals who are unemployed or underemployed through no fault of their own.

Other requirements to file for unemployment in MN include authorization to work in the United States, sufficient earnings and actively seeking suitable employment.

How to File for an Unemployment Claim in Minnesota

The unemployment EDD application in MN requires applicants to fulfill specific criteria. Former employees who file for an unemployment claim must work in the U.S. legally by having citizenship or presenting necessary work authorization paperwork (for non-citizens).

Applicants must also have worked in covered employment in Minnesota within the last 18 months and earned enough income to establish a claim. Covered employment is paid work by an employer who must pay unemployment insurance tax according to the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Law. Non-covered employment may include:

  • Agricultural business with less than four employees.
  • Commission-based work (insurance, real estate and direct selling).
  • in hospitals and student nursing.
  • Most churches and religious organizations.
  • Rehabilitation facilities.
  • Services performed by an immediate family member (spouse, child or parent).
  • Student employment or work-study.

High school students are ineligible to file for an unemployment claim in Minnesota until after graduation, regardless of prior employment. However, students pursuing a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) who also fulfill the other requirements can apply for unemployment benefits. Other applicants attending school must be available for employment during normal times of occupation and must be willing to adjust class schedules or educational conflicts to accept employment.

Part-time employees can file for unemployment in Minnesota if they work less than 32 hours a week. During the unemployment EDD application process, underemployed workers must note their total hours worked and gross earnings.

If their income is less than the weekly benefit amount, part-time employees will receive a partial benefit payment for the difference. Employees with inconsistent weekly hours can also file for an unemployment claim and certify weekly for an adjusted payment.

During unemployment registration, applicants must be prepared to relinquish basic contact information as well as identification verification material like their Social Security Number (SSN) and driver’s license or another state-issued identification number. Select individuals who apply for unemployment benefits in MN may need additional paperwork based on their citizenship or prior employment.

Some pieces of information applicants need to have on hand for the MN unemployment EDD application include:

  • Their employment history for the past 18 months.
  • Their bank account and routing numbers (for direct deposit).
  • A work authorization document (for non-citizens).
  • A DD-214 (for U.S. military personnel).
  • An SF-8 and SF-50 (for federal employees).

The unemployment registration process will also require details such as each past employer’s name, address and phone number. Applicants must also add dates of employment, pay rates and the reasons for their unemployment. This important information is critical when applicants file for unemployment in Minnesota as it establishes eligibility and the amount of benefits compensation.

Where to Register for Unemployment Benefits in Minnesota

Knowing when and where to apply for unemployment in MN can make the unemployment registration process faster and easier. Qualified residents can choose to file an unemployment claim online or by phone. The online application for unemployment is faster, but call center interpreters are available for non-English-speaking applicants, in languages like Spanish, Hmong and Somali.

Former workers can apply for unemployment benefits by phone Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Applicants should start unemployment registration no later than 4 p.m. to have sufficient time for completion. They will enter information when prompted during the first portion of the phone application and will finish by speaking to a customer service representative.

The online application for unemployment is available Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. and takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. Applicants should start before 5:30 p.m. to allow enough time to complete and review the unemployment EDD application before the daily deadline. Each page of the unemployment registration form must be completed within 30 minutes, or applicants will be automatically logged off the site.

What to Do After Minnesota Unemployment Registration

After applicants file for an unemployment claim, they must request a benefit payment every week. Even though eligibility is determined after the initial unemployment EDD application, individuals need to continue to certify. Claimants who fail to apply for unemployment benefit payments weekly may lose their compensation for untimely filing.

Overall, Claimants who know how to apply for unemployment online can continue to certify for benefits digitally during the same hours as standard MN unemployment registration. However, those who certify weekly by phone must refer to the assigned schedule below:

  • If the last digit of your Social Security Number is 1, 3 or 5, call on Tuesday from 6 a.m. to noon.
  • If the last digit of your Social Security Number is 7 or 9, call on Tuesday from noon to 6 p.m.
  • If the last digit of your Social Security Number is 0, 2 or 4, call on Wednesday from 6 a.m. to noon.
  • If the last digit of your Social Security Number is 6 or 8, call on Wednesday from noon to 6 p.m.

Note: Any and all recipients may call on Thursday or Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. as well. Individuals who file for an unemployment claim must also actively search for new employment opportunities. Select claimants may need to attend a Reemployment Session at a WorkForce Center. Failure to attend a mandatory session will result in a denial of benefits.