Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide

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Looking for tips to access the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Benefits? 

In this article, we will make Unemployment Insurance Benefits easy to understand with Minnesota Unemployment phone numbers and other contact information.

We understand.

The experience of unemployment is often fraught with anxiety and feelings of worthlessness. Not being able to provide for oneself and one’s family can be very difficult, and the stress of the situation can be overwhelming. 

Those who are unemployed may feel like they are a burden to their loved ones, and they may feel like they are not good enough or valuable enough. It is important to remember that you are not alone in this experience, and there are people who care about you and want to help. 

You are valuable, even if you are not working at the moment. There are many resources available to you, so please do not hesitate to reach out for help.

Why did we create the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide?

Government websites can be difficult to navigate for a lot of people. They may be confusing or hard to use, and they may not have all the information people need. This can be frustrating and overwhelming, especially for people who are already struggling. 

Having said that, please use our guide as support but NOT the official guide. You will NEED to contact the official unemployment government staff and fight for your own benefits. You can do this.


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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.

Below is what its official website looks like.

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

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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.

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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.


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Minnesota Unemployment Phone Number and Office Locations

Minnesota Unemployment  OfficeMinnesota Unemployment Office LocationsMinnesota Unemployment Phone Number
Unemployment Office – Albert Lea2200 Riverland DriveAlbert Lea, MN 56007-3145507-369-1488
Unemployment Office – Alexandria303 22nd Avenue WSuite 107Alexandria, MN 56308320-391-9262
Unemployment Office – Austin1600 8th Avenue NWAustin, MN 55912-1400507-433-0555
Unemployment Office – Bemidji2300 24th Street NWBemidji, MN 56601218-444-0732
Unemployment Office – Blaine1201 89th Avenue NESuite 235Blaine, MN 55434763-324-2300
Unemployment Office – Bloomington4220 West Old Shakopee RdSuite #200Bloomington, MN 55437952-703-7730
Unemployment Office – Brainerd204 Laurel StreetSuite 21Brainerd, MN 56401218-828-2450
Unemployment Office – Brooklyn Park7225 Northland Drive NBrooklyn Park, MN 55428763-279-4400
Unemployment Office – Burnsville2800 County Road 42 WBurnsville, MN 55337952-703-3100
Unemployment Office – Cambridge140 Buchanan St NSuite 152Cambridge, MN 55008-1756763-279-4492
Unemployment Office – Chaska602 East 4th StreetChaska, MN 55318952-361-1711
Unemployment Office – Cloquet14 North 11th StreetSuite 140Cloquet, MN 55720218-878-5000
Unemployment Office – Cottage Grove13000 Ravine Parkway SouthCottage Grove, MN 55016651-430-4162
Unemployment Office – Crookston2015 Sahlstrom DrCrookston, MN 56716218-277-7330
Unemployment Office – Detroit Lakes803 Roosevelt AvenueDetroit Lakes, MN 56502218-846-7377
Unemployment Office – Duluth402 West 1st StreetDuluth, MN 55802218-302-8400
Unemployment Office – Fairmont400 South State StreetSte 180Fairmont, MN 56031-0767507-235-5518
Unemployment Office – Faribault201 South Lyndale AvenueS1; Faribo Town SquareFaribault, MN 55021-5758507-333-2088
Unemployment Office – Fergus Falls1414 College WaySuite L180Fergus Falls, MN 56537218-739-7675
Unemployment Office – Forest Lake19955 Forest Road NorthForest Lake, MN 55025-9733651-275-7265
Unemployment Office – Grand Rapids1215 SE 2nd AvenueItasca Resource CenterGrand Rapids, MN 55744218-327-6760
Unemployment Office – Hibbing3920 13th Avenue EastHibbing, MN 55746-3675218-231-8590
Unemployment Office – Hutchinson2 Century Avenue SoutheastHutchinson, MN 55350320-587-4740
Unemployment Office – International Falls1501 Highway 71Rm SC 128International Falls, MN 56649218-283-9427
Unemployment Office – Litchfield114 North Holcomb AveSuite 170Litchfield, MN 55355-2273320-593-1056
Unemployment Office – Little Falls609 13th Ave NE Suite GLittle Falls, MN 56345320-232-2000
Unemployment Office – Mankato12 Civic Center PlazaSuite 1600AMankato, MN 56001-7796507-344-2622
Unemployment Office – Marshall607 West Main StreetThird FloorMarshall, MN 56258507-476-4040
Unemployment Office – Minneapolis North800 West Broadway AveMinneapolis, MN 55411612-299-7200
Unemployment Office – Minneapolis South777 East Lake StreetMinneapolis, MN 55407651-539-4410
Unemployment Office – Montevideo202 North 1st StreetSuite 100Montevideo, MN 56265320-269-5561
Unemployment Office – Monticello406 East 7th StreetPO Box 720Monticello, MN 55362763-271-3700
Unemployment Office – Moorhead715 11th Street NSuite 302Moorhead, MN 56560218-287-5060
Unemployment Office – Mora903 E Forest AvenueMora, MN 55051-1617320-679-6484
Unemployment Office – New Ulm1618 South BroadwaySuite 203New Ulm, MN 56073507-508-4041
Unemployment Office – North Saint Paul2266 2nd St NNorth St. Paul, MN 55109651-266-9890
Unemployment Office – Red Wing1606 West Third StreetRed Wing, MN 55066651-385-6402
Unemployment Office – Rochester2070 College View Rd ERochester, MN 55904507-292-5152
Unemployment Office – Roseau121 Center St E202Roseau, MN 56751218-463-2233
Unemployment Office – Shakopee752 Canterbury Road SouthShakopee, MN 55379-1840952-496-8310
Unemployment Office – Saint Cloud1542 Northway Dr.Door 2St. Cloud, MN 56303320-308-5320
Unemployment Office – Saint Paul540 Fairview Ave NorthSuite 103St. Paul, MN 55104651-539-4100
Unemployment Office – Thief River Falls1301 Highway 1 EThief River Falls, MN 56701218-683-8060
Unemployment Office – Virginia820 9th Street NorthVirginia, MN 55792-2345218-735-3740
Unemployment Office – Wadena124 1st Street SESuite 2Wadena, MN 56482-0643218-631-7660
Unemployment Office – West Saint Paul1 Mendota Road WestSuite 170West St. Paul, MN 55118651-554-5955
Unemployment Office – Willmar2200 23rd Street North EastSuite 2040Willmar, MN 56201-9423320-441-6590
Unemployment Office – Winona1250 Homer RdSuite 200Winona, MN 55987-4842507-205-6060
Unemployment Office – Woodbury2150 Radio DriveWoodbury, MN 55125651-275-8650
Unemployment Office – Worthington318 – 9th StreetPO Box 816Worthington, MN 56187507-295-5020

Final Thoughts

We hope the above info has been helpful to you. 

We do not make any financial advice but below are some of our thoughts that could help you stand on your feet sooner than later.

  • Don’t feel shame about needing help, but also don’t feel entitled. 
  • Don’t beat yourself up – things happen. The sooner you accept it and move on, the better.
  • Don’t burn the bridge. Work with your employer to help yourself.
    • 1) Check if you are entitled to severance pay, vacation or sick pay, 
    • 2) Ask about extending health insurance benefits, 
    • 3) Ask about outplacement resources, 
    • 4) Request a reference letter from your employer 
  • Review your financial positions, obligations. 
  • Make a weekly or monthly budget. Buy what you need, so you don’t have to sell what you need.
  • Watch out for credit card loans – they will eat you alive.
  • Make an action plan with at least 3 scenarios from best to worst and examine your options.

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Editor
Sabrina is a former campaign manager who has decided to focus her effort to help people contact senators and get help. She leads our Editorial Team with Ronald and Lawrence to curate content and resources that help us navigate the system.

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