How to file in Minnesota, step by step
- Gather your documents. Minnesota asks for the items in the checklist below.
- File your claim online at uimn.org or by phone (numbers and hours).
- Meet the work search rule. Actively look for suitable work every week. If your benefit is based on part-time work you may limit your search to part-time jobs. No fixed weekly number is published.
- Request benefits for each week you are unemployed, as your claim instructions say. See how weekly claims work.
- Answer any reemployment appointment. Some claimants are selected for a RESEA session at a job center.
Documents Minnesota asks for
- SSN, driver's license or other state ID
- Each employer in the last 18 months: name, address, phone, months/years, pay and reason for separation
- Account and routing number for direct deposit; DD-214 Member 4 if military, SF-8/SF-50 if federal in the last 18 months
- Work authorization if not a citizen; union name and local number if it applies
Source: uimn.org. Lists can be partial; follow the instructions in your claim.
How much Minnesota pays and for how long
All statesMaximum from the U.S. DOL table effective July 2026. The state calculates your weekly amount from your past wages when you file. How long unemployment lasts
Minnesota unemployment phone
DetailsTwin Cities area: 651-296-3644; Greater Minnesota: 1-877-898-9090
Hours: Phone applications Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM.
Where to log in
The official place to start a claim or reach your account is uimn.org, run by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Only enter your Social Security number or PIN on the official state site. This guide is independent and cannot see or change your claim.
If your claim is denied
Federal law requires every state to offer a fair hearing before an impartial tribunal to anyone whose unemployment claim is denied (Social Security Act, sec. 303(a)(3)). The determination letter from Minnesota tells you the deadline and how to file the appeal. How unemployment appeals work.
Job centers in Minnesota
All 55CareerForce in Aitkin
36090 400th Ave., Aitkin
CareerForce in Albert Lea
2200 Riverland Drive, Albert Lea
CareerForce in Alexandria
303 22nd Avenue West Suite 107, Alexandria
CareerForce in Austin
1600 8th Ave NW, Austin
CareerForce in Bemidji
2300 24th Street Northwest, Bemidji
CareerForce in Blaine
1201 89th Ave NE Suite 2300, Blaine
CareerForce in Bloomington
4220 W Old Shakopee Rd Suite 200, Bloomington
CareerForce in Brainerd
204 Laurel Street Suite 21, Brainerd
CareerForce in Brooklyn Center
Northwest Family Service Center 7051 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Center
CareerForce in Burnsville
Gateway Office Plaza 350 West Burnsville Parkway, Suite 375, Burnsville
CareerForce in Caledonia
110 East Grove Street, Caledonia
CareerForce in Cambridge
140 Birch Street North West Side Commons, Suite 105, Cambridge
Minnesota unemployment questions
How do I file for unemployment in Minnesota?
Online on the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development website or by phone at Twin Cities area: 651-296-3644; Greater Minnesota: 1-877-898-9090. Have your Social Security number and your employers from the last 18 months ready.
What is the Minnesota unemployment phone number?
Twin Cities area: 651-296-3644; Greater Minnesota: 1-877-898-9090. Hours: Phone applications Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM.
How much is unemployment in Minnesota?
Up to $948 a week ($611, or $948 under the alternative formula). Your own amount depends on your past wages.
How long does unemployment last in Minnesota?
Up to 26 weeks; the federal table lists a range of 9-26 weeks depending on your situation. Your weeks are set when the state reviews your claim.
Where do I log in to Minnesota unemployment?
Use the official site (uimn.org) to start a claim or reach your account. We do not handle logins or claims.
What if my Minnesota unemployment claim is denied?
Federal law requires every state to give claimants whose claims are denied the chance of a fair hearing before an impartial tribunal. Your determination letter explains how and by when to appeal.
Related guides
Sources
Claim website: dol.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Claims phone: dol.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Documents: uimn.org, checked October 30, 2026.
Work search: mn.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Weekly maximum: oui.doleta.gov (dated July 2026), checked October 30, 2026.
Maximum weeks: oui.doleta.gov (dated July 2026), checked October 30, 2026.
Right to a fair hearing: 42 U.S.C. 503(a)(3), checked October 31, 2026.