Minnesota Unemployment Benefits

Minnesota provides up to $948/week in unemployment benefits for 1–26 weeks. Benefits are calculated using higher of: total base period wages / 52, or highest quarter wages / high-quarter divisor.

Why It Matters

Understanding Minnesota's unemployment benefits helps you plan financially during job transitions, know what income replacement to expect, and ensure you file correctly to receive your full entitled benefit.

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How It Works

Minnesota calculates your Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA) using higher of: total base period wages / 52, or highest quarter wages / high-quarter divisor. Benefits range from $40 to $948 per week for up to 1–26 weeks. There is a 1-week unpaid waiting period before benefits begin. Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) administers the program.

Example

$50,000/year worker • Equal quarterly wages • 2026

Weekly

$240

benefit amount

Duration

26 wks

1-26 range

Total

$6,240

max benefits

Resources

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) - Official Website

Official Minnesota unemployment insurance agency. Find eligibility requirements, benefit information, employer resources, and contact information.

Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)

Minnesota Unemployment Benefits - Official Filing Portal

Official Minnesota unemployment insurance filing portal administered by Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).

Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)

Minnesota Unemployment Benefits - Official Rates & Rules

Official source for Minnesota unemployment benefit rates, formulas, and eligibility rules for 2026. Maximum weekly benefit: $948.

Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible for unemployment in Minnesota?

To qualify in Minnesota, you must have earned sufficient wages during your base period, been separated from work through no fault of your own, and be able and available for work. You must also meet ongoing work search requirements.

Can I do contract or part-time work and still collect unemployment in Minnesota?

Yes, but your benefits will be reduced. Minnesota's rule: 50% of gross earnings deducted from weekly benefit; ineligible at 32+ hours. You must report all earnings weekly, including contract/freelance income.

Yes, you can do contract or part-time work while collecting unemployment in Minnesota, but your earnings will reduce your weekly benefit. Minnesota's partial earnings rule: 50% of gross earnings deducted from weekly benefit; ineligible at 32+ hours. You must report all earnings for the week you performed the work (not when you received payment). If your earnings exceed your weekly benefit amount, you won't receive benefits for that week but your claim remains active. Important: independent contractor income counts as earnings and must be reported weekly.

How long do unemployment benefits last in Minnesota?

Minnesota offers between 1 and 26 weeks of benefits depending on your work history and base period wages.

How much unemployment will I get in Minnesota?

Minnesota calculates your weekly benefit using the formula: higher of: total base period wages / 52, or highest quarter wages / high-quarter divisor. The maximum weekly benefit is $948 and the minimum is $40.

Why does Minnesota have variable benefit duration?

Minnesota ties your benefit duration (1–26 weeks) to your base period earnings relative to your weekly benefit amount. Workers with more consistent employment history receive longer durations.