While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the LIHEAP program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.

  1. What Is Unemployment Insurance?
  2. What Are Unemployment Insurance Benefits?
  3. How to Qualify for Unemployment Benefits
  4. When to Apply for Unemployment
  5. How to Apply for Minnesota Unemployment Insurance
  6. How Unemployment Insurance Benefit Amounts Are Calculated
  7. I Just Applied for Unemployment Insurance. Now What?
  8. What Happens After You Are Approved for Unemployment Benefits?
  9. How to Appeal an Unemployment Insurance Denial
  10. Need More Help?
  11. View or Download Our Free Guide

What is Unemployment Insurance?

Unemployment Insurance is a benefit program designed to replace part of the income of recently unemployed or underemployed workers. Unemployment Insurance is available to workers who are out of work through no fault of their own.

Learn more about Unemployment on Minnesota’s Unemployment Program Overview page here.

What are Unemployment Insurance Benefits?

Unemployment Insurance Benefits are weekly payments given to eligible workers who apply to and are accepted into the program. These payments are typically provided via direct deposits to the beneficiary’s bank account.

Learn more about how Unemployment Insurance payments work here.

How to Qualify for Unemployment Benefits

To qualify for Unemployment Insurance in Minnesota, you must:

  • Have lost your job due to no fault of your own.
  • Be able to work.
  • Be actively seeking work.
  • Meet Minnesota’s monetary and personal eligibility requirements.

You can learn more about Minnesota’s requirements to qualify for Unemployment Insurance here.

When to Apply for Unemployment

Apply for benefits online here during the week you are seeking payment, when your hours have been reduced or when you are no longer employed. Do NOT wait until the week is over.

Learn more information on when to apply for Unemployment Insurance here.

How to Apply for Unemployment in Minnesota

To apply for Unemployment Insurance in Minnesota, complete the following three steps:

  1. Gather the documentation related to your previous employment and information you will need for the application.

Learn what documents and information you need here.

  1. Choose how you are going to apply, whether online or over the phone. 

To apply for Unemployment Insurance online, click here to access Minnesota’s Unemployment claim portal. The online portal is available Sunday through Friday from 6:00 AM until 8:00 PM CST.

To apply for Unemployment Insurance over the phone, call (651) 296-3644 from the Twin Cities area or 1 (877) 898-9090 from other areas. The phone line is available Sunday through Friday from 6:00 AM until 8:00 PM CST.

You must file on the specific day that coordinates with your Social Security Number (SSN). See the filing schedule below:

Last Digit of SSNDay to Apply Online
0, 1 or 2Monday
3, 4 or 5Tuesday
6, 7 or 8Wednesday
AnyThursday
AnyFriday
  1. Submit the Unemployment application, which is also known as filing a claim. 

If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program Monday through Friday from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM at (651) 296-3644 from the Twin Cities area or 1 (877) 898-9090 from other areas.

For more information on the application process, click here.

How Unemployment Insurance Benefit Amounts Are Calculated

The amount of Unemployment Benefits you receive is based on your past reported earnings by employers that you have worked for in Minnesota. To determine how much an applicant will receive in Unemployment Benefits each week, the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Agency takes approximately 0.5 percent of your average weekly earnings in the base period.

The maximum weekly benefit amount is $890. To learn more about benefit payments, click here. You can get an approximation of how much you will receive with the MN Benefits Estimator here.

I Just Applied for Unemployment Insurance. Now What?

  • Report Your Waiting Week

The week after you file your unemployment claim is called the Waiting Week (also known in Minnesota as the non-payable week). During the Waiting Week, you must file a Weekly Certification Application through the claimant portal and the Unemployment Office will make sure you are still unemployed or underemployed, and meet all other eligibility requirements.

If approved, you will begin receiving your weekly benefits the following week. You are not paid for the Waiting Week, but you do receive a Waiting Week credit. You can access the Minnesota claimant portal here.

Learn more about the Weekly Certification Application on page 8 of this handbook.

  • Start Looking for Work 

Keep track of your work-search contacts. You are required to make at least two contacts per week to receive payments and waiting week credit.

  • Discuss Possible Issues 

If you were discharged or quit your last job, expect a call (or email if that is your preferred contact method) to determine if you are eligible for unemployment insurance.

You can learn more about what to expect after applying here.

What Happens After You Are Approved for Unemployment Benefits?

You must file a Weekly Certification Application every week you are receiving Unemployment Benefits until you are employed again. This weekly claim is like a follow-up application that certifies your continued eligibility for the program, and proves you are actively applying for new jobs.

Learn more about the Weekly Certification Application on page 8 of this handbook.  File your Weekly Certification Applications here.

You must file your claim on the specific day that coordinates with your Social Security Number (SSN). See the filing schedule below:

Last Digit of SSNDay to Apply Online
0, 1 or 2Monday
3, 4 or 5Tuesday
6, 7 or 8Wednesday
AnyThursday
AnyFriday

You can also file your weekly claim by calling the automated line at (651) 296-3644 from the Twin Cities area or 1 (877) 898-9090 from other areas. The phone line is available Sunday through Friday from 6:00 AM until 8:00 PM CST. You must call on the specific day that coordinates with your Social Security Number (SSN). See the schedule below:

Last Digit of SSNDay to CallTime to Call
1, 3 or 5Tuesday6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
7 or 9Tuesday12:00 to 6:00 PM
0, 2 or 4Wednesday6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
6 or 8Thursday12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
AnyThursday or Friday6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

It is important to remember that your Unemployment benefits may be denied or delayed if you fail to submit your weekly application.

You can learn more about the next steps and filing weekly claims here.

How to File an Appeal If You Are Denied Unemployment Benefits

If your Unemployment Insurance application was denied, you have the right to file an appeal with the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Agency.

To file an appeal online, log into the Unemployment Insurance portal here and click “View and Maintain My Account.” Then, click “Determination and Issue Summary” and find the issue identification number that matches the one on your denial letter.

To file an appeal by mail, send a letter explaining your disagreement to:

P.O. Box 4629
St. Paul, MN
55101-4629

You can fax an appeal to the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Agency at (651) 205-4007.

If you choose to mail or fax an appeal, it must include the following information:

  • Your full name and signature
  • The reason for the appeal
  • The Issue ID Number listed on the denial letter
  • Your Social Security Number (SSN)

Need More Help?

If you have general questions about Minnesota Unemployment Benefits, call the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program’s customer service center at (651) 296-3644. 

Contact your local Unemployment Office or visit an office in person. Find your nearest Unemployment Office location and contact information here.

The Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program’s customer service is available Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM until 2:00 PM, except for observed holidays noted here.

Find answers to other topics related to Unemployment Insurance on the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance FAQs page here.

View or Download Our Free Guide

While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Unemployment Insurance program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.

Our free Unemployment Insurance Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility requirements and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.

  1. How to Contact the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program Agency
  2. Unemployment Offices in Minnesota
  3. Need More Help?
  4. View or Download Our Free Guide

How to Contact the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program Agency

If you have general questions about Minnesota Unemployment Benefits or an Unemployment Insurance claim, call the Unemployment Insurance Department at (651) 296-3644 from the Twin Cities area or 1 (877) 898-9090 from other areas.

For general and account questions, call Monday through Thursday between 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM. 

For password issues, call Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM.

To apply for Unemployment Insurance by phone, call Friday between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM.

You can reach Minnesota Unemployment Insurance by mail at:

UI Customer Service
P.O. Box 4629
St. Paul, MN 55101-4629

Unemployment Offices in Minnesota

There are many local unemployment offices located throughout the state. Find contact information for all offices in Minnesota below. Or, go to the Minnesota CareerForce location page here.

LocationAddressPhone Number
Dakota County1 Mendota Road W, Suite 170, West St. Paul, MN 55118-4764651-554-5955
Albert Lea2200 Riverland Drive, Albert Lea, MN 56007-1868507-379-3409
Alexandria303 22nd Avenue W Suite 107, Alexandria, MN 56308-2796320-762-7800
Anoka County (Blaine)1201 89th Avenue NE, Suite 235, Blaine, MN 55434-3372763-783-4800
Austin1600 8th Ave NW, Austin, MN 55912-1400507-433-0555
Bemidji616 America Avenue NW Suite 210, Bemidji, MN 56601-3859218-333-8200
Brainerd204 Laurel Street Suite 21, Brainerd, MN 56401-3552218-828-2450
Cambridge140 Buchanan Street N suite 152, Cambridge, MN 55008-1640763-279-4492
Cloquet715 Cloquet Ave, Cloquet, MN 55720-1629218-878-4414
Crookston1730 University Ave, Crookston, MN 56716-1112218-281-6020
Dakota County – Burnsville2900 County Road 42 W Suite 140, Burnsville, MN 55337-4854952-895-7600
Detroit Lakes801 Roosevelt Avenue, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-3703218-846-7379
Duluth320 W 2nd Street, Duluth, MN 55802-1406218-723-4730
Fairmont412 S State Street, Fairmont, MN 56031-4147507-235-5518
Faribault201 Lyndale Ave S Suite 1, Faribault, MN 55021-5758507-333-2047
Fergus Falls125 W Lincoln Avenue Suite 1, Fergus Falls, MN 56537-2144218-739-7560
Grand Rapids1215 SE 2nd Ave, Grand Rapids, MN 55744-3982218-327-4480
Hennepin North (Brooklyn Park)7225 Northland Drive, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428763-279-4400
Hennepin South (Bloomington)4220 W Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington, MN 55437-2949952-346-4000
Hibbing3920 13th Avenue E, Hibbing, MN 55746-3675218-262-6777
Hutchinson2 Century Ave SE, Hutchinson, MN 55350-0550320-587-4740
International Falls1501 Highway 71, SC 128, International Falls, MN 56649-2160218-283-9427
Litchfield114 N Holcombe Avenue Suite 170, Litchfield, MN 55355-2273320-693-2859
Little Falls315 12th Street NE, Little Falls, MN 56345-2910320-616-2400
Mankato12 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato, MN 56001-7796507-389-6723
Marshall607 W Main Street Marshall, MN 56258-3021507-537-6236
Minneapolis North1200 Plymouth Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411-4085612-520-3500
Minneapolis South777 E Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407-1546612-824000
Montevideo202 N 1st Street, Montevideo, MN 56265-1404320-269-8819
Monticello406 E 7th St, Monticello, MN 55362-0720763-271-3700
Moorhead715 11th Street N Suite 302, Moorhead, MN 56560-2086218-287-5060
Mora903 Forest Avenue E, Mora, MN 55051-1431320-679-6484
New Ulm1618 S Broadway Street, New Ulm, MN 56073-3756507-354-3138
Owatonna631 N Cedar Ave, Owatonna, MN 55060-2323507-446-1470
Ramsey County-North St. Paul2098 11th Avenue E, North St Paul, MN 55109-5100651-779-5666
Ramsey County-St. Paul540 Fairview Ave N, St. Paul, MN 55104-1707651-642-0363
Red Wing1606 W 3rd Street, Red Wing, MN 55066-2086651-385-6480
Rochester300 11th Ave NW, Rochester, MN 55901-2739507-285-7315
Scott County (Shakopee)752 Canterbury Road S, Shakopee, MN 55379-1840952-445-7087
St. Cloud1542 Northway Drive, St. Cloud, MN 56302-0067320-308-5320
Thief River Falls1301 Highway 1 E, Thief River Falls, MN 56701-2500218-681-0909
Virginia820 N 9th Avenue Suite 250, Virginia, MN 55792-2345218-748-2200
Wadena124 1st Street SE, Wadena, MN 56482-1538218-631-7660
Washington County Cottage Grove13000 Ravine Parkway South, Cottage Grove, MN 55016-6102651-430-4162
Washington County Forest Lake19955 Forest Road North, Forest Lake, MN 55025-9733651-275-7265
Washington County Woodbury2150 Radio Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125-9453651-275-8650
Willmar2200 23rd Street NE Suite 2040, Willmar, MN 56201-9423320-441-6590
Winona1250 Homer Road, Winona, MN 55987-4897507-453-2920
Worthington318 9th Street, Worthington, MN 56187-2342507-376-3116

Need More Help?

To find more information on Minnesota Unemployment Benefits and Services, visit:

  • The Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program website here.

To file an Unemployment Insurance claim online or by phone:

  • Visit the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance claimant portal here.
  • Call (877) 898-9090

View or Download Our Free Guide

While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Unemployment Insurance program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.

Our free Unemployment Insurance Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility requirements and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.

  1. How to Apply for Minnesota Unemployment Insurance
  2. How to Check Your Application Status
  3. The Unemployment Benefits Waiting Week
  4. How to Appeal an Unemployment Insurance Denial
  5. Need More Help?
  6. View or Download Our Free Guide

How to Apply for Minnesota Unemployment Insurance

To apply for Unemployment Insurance in Minnesota, complete the following three steps:

  1. Gather the documentation related to your previous employment and information you will need for the application.

Learn what documents and information you need here.

  1. Choose how you are going to apply, whether online or over the phone. 

To apply for Unemployment Insurance online, click here to access Minnesota’s Unemployment claim portal. The online portal is available Sunday through Friday from 6:00 AM until 8:00 PM CST. To apply for Unemployment Insurance over the phone, call (651) 296-3644 from the Twin Cities area or 1 (877) 898-9090 from other areas. The phone line is available Sunday through Friday from 6:00 AM until 8:00 PM CST.

You must file on the specific day that coordinates with your Social Security Number (SSN). See the filing schedule below:

Last Digit of SSNDay to Apply Online
0, 1 or 2Monday
3, 4 or 5Tuesday
6, 7 or 8Wednesday
AnyThursday
AnyFriday
  1. Submit the Unemployment application, which is also known as filing a claim. 

If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program Monday through Friday from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM at (651) 296-3644 from the Twin Cities area or 1 (877) 898-9090 from other areas.

For more information on the application process, click here.

How to Check Your Application Status

If you have already applied for Unemployment Insurance online, you can check the status of your claim by logging into the Unemployment Insurance here.

You can also check the status of your application by calling the Unemployment Insurance Agency at (651) 296-3644 from the Twin Cities area or 1 (877) 898-9090 from other areas. The phone line is available Sunday through Friday from 6:00 AM until 8:00 PM CST.

The Unemployment Benefits Waiting Week

You will not begin receiving Unemployment Benefits immediately after submitting the application. By law, you must wait one week before finding out whether you will begin receiving benefits. This is called the Waiting Week and in Minnesota it’s known as Non-payable Week.

The week after you file your unemployment claim is called the Waiting Week. During the Waiting Week, you must file a Weekly Certification Application through the claimant portal and the Unemployment Office will make sure you are still unemployed or underemployed, and meet all other eligibility requirements. If approved, you will begin receiving your weekly benefits the following week. You are not paid for the Waiting Week, but you do receive a Waiting Week credit. You can access the Minnesota claimant portal here.

Learn more about the Weekly Certification Application on page 9 of this handbook.

How to Appeal an Unemployment Insurance Denial

If your Unemployment Insurance application was denied, you have the right to file an appeal with the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Agency.

To file an appeal online, log into the Unemployment Insurance portal here and click “View and Maintain My Account.” Then, click “Determination and Issue Summary” and find the issue identification number that matches the one on your denial letter.

To file an appeal by mail, send a letter explaining your disagreement to:

P.O. Box 4629
St. Paul, MN
55101-4629

You can fax an appeal to the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Agency to (651) 205-4007.

If you choose to mail or fax an appeal, it must include the following information:

  • Your full name and signature
  • The reason for the appeal
  • The Issue ID Number listed on the denial letter
  • Your Social Security Number (SSN)

Need More Help?

For help with an Unemployment Insurance application, or for any further questions about your Unemployment Insurance claim, call the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program at (651) 296-3644 from the Twin Cities area or 1 (877) 898-9090 from other areas

You can also visit or call a local Unemployment Office for further assistance. Find your nearest Unemployment Office location and contact information here.

The Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program customer service telephone line is available Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM until 2:00 PM, except for observed holidays.

Find answers to other topics related to Unemployment Insurance on the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance FAQs page here.

View or Download Our Free Guide

While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Unemployment Insurance program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.

Our free Unemployment Insurance Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility requirements and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.