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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 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)

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.

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.

Key Terms

Base Period
The time period used to calculate your unemployment benefits, typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters.
Benefit Duration
The maximum number of weeks you can collect unemployment benefits in a benefit year.
Earnings Disregard
The amount of part-time earnings you can keep without reducing your unemployment benefit.
Federal Unemployment Tax Act
The federal law imposing a payroll tax on employers to fund the unemployment insurance system.
Partial Unemployment
Working reduced hours while collecting a portion of your unemployment benefits.
State Unemployment Tax Act
State-level payroll taxes on employers that fund the state unemployment insurance trust fund.
Unemployment Insurance
A joint federal-state safety net program providing temporary income to workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.
Waiting Period
The unpaid first week after filing an unemployment claim before benefits begin.
Weekly Benefit Amount
The dollar amount you receive each week in unemployment benefits.
Work Search Requirements
Activities you must complete each week to maintain unemployment benefit eligibility.

Last reviewed: 2027-07-01 • Applies to tax year: 2026