Unemployment Insurance in Minnesota

Unemployment insurance is a program designed to provide temporary financial assistance to people who have lost their jobs. In Minnesota, this program is administered by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).

Eligibility for Unemployment Benefits

In order to be eligible for unemployment benefits in Minnesota, an individual must meet certain requirements. First, the individual must have lost their job through no fault of their own. This means that if an individual was fired for misconduct or quit voluntarily, they may not be eligible for benefits.

Second, the individual must have earned a certain amount of wages during the base period. The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before the individual applied for benefits. The amount of wages earned during the base period determines the amount of benefits the individual is eligible to receive.

Third, the individual must be able and available to work. This means that the individual must be actively seeking work and willing to accept suitable employment if it is offered.

Finally, the individual must be registered for work with DEED and must be actively participating in the reemployment services offered by DEED.

How to Apply for Unemployment Benefits in Minnesota

Individuals can apply for unemployment benefits online through the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance (UI) Program website. They can also apply by phone by calling the UI Program customer service line. When applying, individuals will need to provide personal and work-related information, including their Social Security number and the name and contact information of their last employer.

After the individual applies for benefits, DEED will review their application and may contact them for additional information or to schedule an interview. The individual will also need to register for work with DEED and participate in the reemployment services offered by DEED in order to continue receiving benefits.

Amount of Benefits and Duration of Benefits

The amount of unemployment benefits an individual is eligible to receive in Minnesota is based on their earnings during the base period. The maximum weekly benefit amount is $740, and the minimum weekly benefit amount is $59.

The duration of benefits is also based on the individual’s earnings during the base period. The maximum duration of benefits is 26 weeks, but this may be extended during times of high unemployment.

Using Unemployment Benefits

Unemployment benefits are intended to provide temporary financial assistance to individuals who have lost their jobs. The benefits are meant to help with basic needs such as housing, food, and utilities.

It is important for individuals to use their benefits wisely and to look for work actively. Failure to do so may result in the individual being disqualified from receiving further benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I am self-employed?

Self-employed individuals are not eligible for unemployment benefits in Minnesota. However, they may be eligible for other types of financial assistance through programs such as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program.

What if I am a gig worker or independent contractor?

Gig workers and independent contractors who have lost work due to COVID-19 may be eligible for unemployment benefits through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. This program provides benefits to individuals who are not eligible for traditional unemployment insurance.

What if I am a seasonal worker?

Seasonal workers may be eligible for unemployment benefits in Minnesota, as long as they have met the eligibility requirements outlined above. However, their benefits may be reduced or delayed depending on their work history.

What if I am a part-time worker?

Part-time workers may be eligible for unemployment benefits in Minnesota, as long as they have met the eligibility requirements outlined above. However, their benefits may be reduced depending on their earnings during the week in which they claim benefits.

What if I am receiving severance pay?

If an individual is receiving severance pay from their employer, they may still be eligible for unemployment benefits. However, the amount of their benefits may be reduced depending on the amount of severance pay they are receiving.

Conclusion

Unemployment insurance is an important program that provides temporary financial assistance to individuals who have lost their jobs. In Minnesota, this program is administered by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), and individuals can apply for benefits online or by phone.

It is important for individuals to meet the eligibility requirements for unemployment benefits and to use their benefits wisely. Failure to do so may result in disqualification from further benefits.