Minnesota Unemployment Insurance: How It Works And How to Apply

The Minnesota unemployment insurance program is managed by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). DEED provides free unemployment insurance support to all applicants that have issues regarding the program. You don’t have to pay a third party to assist you in applying for or requesting unemployment benefits. You can apply by yourself. Keep reading to learn about Minnesota unemployment insurance, how it works, and how to apply.

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How do Minnesota Unemployment insurance benefits work

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The top condition for Minnesota unemployment insurance benefits claims is being unemployed such as a layoff. Another condition is being underemployed due to no fault of your own. After satisfying either of those two conditions, other eligibility requirements to claim insurance unemployment benefits in MN include

Working in covered employment within the past 18 months
Earning enough wages to establish a claim.

Underemployed, partially unemployed, and part-time employees can also claim unemployment benefits and receive a partial compensation payment. However, this is only possible if their earnings are less than the weekly benefit amount.

How to request a benefit payment

You can request for a benefit payment online or by placing a phone call. Either ways, when requesting benefit payments

You must submit a request for payment for each week you are unemployed.
Request a payment even when the department is determining your eligibility or you are waiting for an appeal hearing or decision.
You may not receive payments for weeks if you do not request them on time.

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Requesting a benefit payment online

You can request payment online from Sunday to Friday, from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Visit the Minnesota unemployment insurance page
Choose Applicants and then log on to “My Account”.
Log on to your account using your Social Security number and password.
Select “Request Benefit Payment.

Requesting a benefit payment by phone

Call the automated phone system:
- Twin Cities calling area: 651-296-3644
- Greater Minnesota: 1-877-898-9090
Teletypewriter (TTY) users: 1-866-814-1252
Select a language: English, Spanish, Somali, or Hmong.

If you don’t speak any of the available languages, On the “Contact Us” page follow these steps to speak to a representative and request an interpreter:

Enter your Social Security number.
Enter your password and then press the # key.
You can access important messages about your account.
After accessing the messages, listen to your options and choose Request Benefit Payment.

What if you are unemployed for a reason other than layoff?

If you are unemployed for any reason other than a lack of work, state law follows a precise procedure to evaluate if you are eligible for assistance.

You and your employer will be questioned regarding your unemployment status during the application process.
Your responses and that of your employer will be evaluated to see if you are eligible for benefits.
The office will send you and your employer a determination letter informing you of your eligibility for benefits.
The decision can be appealed by either you or your employer.
You must offer specific details regarding how your employment ended. The department may be unable to determine your eligibility for benefits if they do not have adequate information.

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Minnesota Unemployment Insurance: Can you appeal a decision?

Minnesota UI benefits legislation allows a fair and impartial hearing for any party who disagrees with a Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program ruling. If you are dissatisfied with a specific determination regarding your claim, you may file an appeal online, via mail, or by fax within the timeframe specified in your determination letter. Go into your account, select the verdict with which you disagree, and follow the appeal process. Please note that to file an appeal by fax or mail, you must include the following information: