Unemployment Benefits in Minnesota
If you're laid off from your job, unemployment benefits can provide financial support for up to six months.
Unemployment Insurance benefits
Unemployment benefits provide a temporary partial wage replacement (that is, money) to help workers who have become unemployed through no fault of their own. If you qualify, these benefits can provide basic living support while you search for another job.
Apply for unemployment benefits on the first day that you are unemployed or your work hours are reduced.
- Apply online at www.uimn.org. Click on Apply for UI Benefits
- Apply over the phone using the automated phone option. You can choose English, Spanish, Hmong, or Somali -
- Twin Cities area: 651-296-3644
- Greater Minnesota: 1-877-898-9090 (Toll Free)
Find out if you qualify for federal or state 
Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC). These programs extend the time during which you can collect unemployment benefits. Minnesota applicants may be eligible for as much as 33 weeks of EUC benefits.
Learn about income that reduces or delays your weekly unemployment payment.
Other types of unemployment benefits
- If you were part of a large layoff or plant closing, you may be eligible for employment services for laid off workers.
- If you lost your job due to a natural disaster, you may qualify for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.
- Veterans may also qualify for Unemployment Compensation for ex-service members.
- You may be eligible for Trade Readjustment Allowances if your job loss was due to foreign imports.
More help and answers to questions
- Get job-search assistance and information about government resources at your local Minnesota WorkForce Center.
- Locate child care, transportation, and other support services that you may need after a job loss.
