File by phone:
To file for unemployment insurance benefits in Minnesota, call the Benefit Call Center nearest you:
Twin Cities Metro Area: (651) 296-3644
Greater Minnesota: 1-877-898-9090
TTY line for the hearing impaired:
Twin Cities Metro Area: (651) 634-5062
Greater Minnesota: 1-877-360-1919
File online
Apply for unemployment benefits online.
You may file an application for Minnesota unemployment benefits by completing the application online, by calling TELECLAIM, by applying at your nearest WorkForce Center, or by printing and returning the downloadable application form.
You should complete and submit an application for unemployment benefits form as soon as you lose your job or your work hours are reduced (accounts are effective the Sunday of the calendar week in which you return or submit the completed application form).
NOTE: Applications and information in Spanish, Somali and Hmong can be found on the Department's Second Language page.
The application process will be easier if you know the name and address of your last employer, the dates of your employment (especially the date you last worked), why your last job ended and your social security number before you call. You will also be asked for the names and dates worked for any previous employers (including out-of-state employers) in the last 18 months. To make sure your account is not delayed, be sure to give complete and correct information.
To begin the process, complete an application using one of the methods spelled out above. After your account has been established you can use TELECLAIM, a touch-tone telephone directory, to change your address, request a tax withholding or PIN application form, reactivate an account and obtain payment information.
The majority of people apply for a unemployment benefits following a layoff due to lack of work, business reorganization or job elimination. Many, however, are separated from employment because they resign or are terminated by the employer. Some separations from employment are temporary in nature such as labor disputes (strikes), leaves of absence, disciplinary suspensions and business owners experiencing a brief slowdown in business activity. Explore how these situations affect entitlement to benefits.
Even though you may have enough wages to establish an Unemployment Insurance Benefit Account, the reason why you lost your job could disqualify you from receiving those benefits. Some reasons are:
Apply for unemployment benefits as soon as you become unemployed or your hours of work are reduced. Waiting to apply may cause you to lose benefits. Applications are effective the Sunday of the calendar week in which the completed application is submitted. Benefits may not be paid for any weeks you were out of work before your application becomes effective.
Apply for benefits online Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at:
Minnesota Work Force Center
You may apply for benefits over the phone if you had only one employer in the last six months, and in the last 18 months: a) only worked in one state, and b) were not in the military, and c) did not work for the federal government. If you meet these requirements, call TELECLAIM and select the option to apply for a new benefit account (Press 2, then press 1). TELECLAIM is available Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
TELECLAIM:
Twin Cities Metro Area: 651-296-3644
Greater Minnesota: 1-877-898-9090
TTY (Teletypewriter only for the deaf and hard of hearing):
Twin Cities Metro Area: 651-634-5062
Greater Minnesota: 1-877-360-1919
Paper applications are available at the Minnesota WorkForce Center. Either hand in your application to a WorkForce Center staff member or mail your application using the enclosed envelope. Call ahead for WorkForce Center business hours.
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Free Money to Pay for College
The Workforce Investment Act is a government-funded program with the goal of providing adults with the education, skills and training they need to get and retain jobs. The U.S. Department of Labor works with states to provide money for workers, so they can afford career training for jobs that are in demand in local markets.
Learn more about the benefits of the Workforce Invesment Act.
