Minnesota Unemployment Insurance

Am I Eligible?

You must

• Have sufficient earnings in your base period.
• Be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
• Be unemployed, or working substantially reduced hours, through no fault of your own.
• Actively seek suitable employment each week.
• Be able and willing to begin suitable work without delay when offered.

What do I need to file my claim?

• Social Security number 
• Driver's license number or other state government identification number
• Employment history for the last 18 months, including: Each employer's name, address and telephone number, dates of employment (month and year), pay rate, and reason you no longer work for the employer
• Your bank account number and routing number, if you want direct deposit.

How to apply for Unemployment Insurance Benefits? 

File Online:

• Go to Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Site and select Applicant.
• Under I Need to..., click Apply for Benefits.
• On the Login page, under New Applicant, enter your Social Security number and select Start.
• Follow the prompts and then select Start the Unemployment Benefit Application. Complete the information requested on each page.
• At the end of the application, you will be asked to review the information you entered and make changes before submitting your application. Once the application is submitted, you cannot make changes.
• Select Submit the Unemployment Benefit Application.

File By Phone:

• Twin Cities area: 651-296-3644
• Greater Minnesota: 1-877-898-9090
• TTY (for the hearing impaired): 1-866-814-1252
• Monday - Friday, between 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For more information, read the FAQs to know more about how to file for a claim in Minnesota.