How to file for unemployment in Minnesota

The online claim is usually the fastest way. Here is what to have ready, when your claim starts and what comes after you file.

All about unemployment in Minnesota

Checked against official sources: October 31, 2026.

Filing, step by step

Apply online at ui.mn.gov (Sunday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.) or by phone (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) at 1-877-898-9090 or 651-296-3644.

When to file and when your claim starts

Apply the same week you become unemployed or your hours are greatly reduced. The day of the week you apply does not change the amount you receive.

What to have ready

  • Your Social Security number
  • Your driver's license or state ID number
  • For each employer in the last 18 months: name, address, phone, dates worked (month and year), pay rate and why you no longer work there
  • Bank account and routing number for direct deposit
  • Military service in the last 18 months: DD-214 Member 4. Federal work: SF8 and SF50
  • If you are not a U.S. citizen: your work authorization document
  • Union members: your union name and hiring hall local number

Certify (claim your weeks)

How often: Weekly. Request a benefit payment for each week, online (Sunday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.) or by phone on your scheduled day. Request payments even while DEED is deciding your eligibility or an appeal is pending. Report all hours worked and gross earnings for the week you did the work.

Your first payment

The soonest you will get a payment is the third week after your account is set up. Your first eligible week is an unpaid nonpayable week. Direct deposit usually arrives within three business days after you request a payment; otherwise payments go to a U.S. Bank ReliaCard debit card.

Law: Minn. Stat. sec. 268.085

Official source: Source page

What applies in every state

  • File with the unemployment program of the state where you worked. If you worked in another state or in several states, the agency in the state where you live now can tell you how to file with other states.
  • It generally takes two to three weeks after you file to get your first payment. Some states require a one-week waiting period, so the second week you claim is the first week paid.

Free help

Call 1-877-898-9090. Legal aid and other free help in Minnesota → Official sources →

More questions about unemployment in Minnesota

Is there a waiting week in Minnesota?

Yes. The first week you are eligible is your nonpayable week. It is never paid, but you must request it to be paid for later weeks.