Unemployment Benefits Eligibility

General Benefits Eligibility Criteria

To receive unemployment compensation in Minnesota, you must meet specific eligibility criteria. The following guidelines will help you determine your eligibility to qualify for unemployment benefits in Minnesota.  The best way to determine your eligibility is to submit an application to DEED.  You must meet the following criteria to be eligible for Minnesota unemployment benefits:

Work Eligibility Criteria

• Be legally able to work in the U.S.
• Be out of work or working significantly reduced hours through no fault of your own (You   cannot have voluntarily quit for a non-work related reason, including lack of transportation, or have been fired for violating your work contract)
• Work less than 32 hours per week
• Actively search for suitable employment each week
• Be able and willing to begin full-time work immediately

Wages Eligibility Criteria

• Earned at least $858 during the highest earning quarter of your base period
• Earn less than your Weekly Benefit Amount
• File weekly benefit claims

Unemployment Availability Limits

In Minnesota, you can receive a maximum benefit payment of $658 per week for up to 26 weeks within a one-year period. Your weekly and total maximum benefit amounts are determined by qualifying wages earned during your 12-month Base Period. You may be denied benefits if you do not meet all eligibility requirements or if you:

• Are self-employed
• Attend college
• Are employed by a school
• Participate in a strike or labor dispute
• Deny a job offer
• Have alien status
• Have an illness or injury that prevents you from working
• Are a professional athlete
• Are incarcerated, including house arrest and work-release programs
• Attend high school
• Work 32 hours or more per week
• Earn equal or more than your benefit payment in a week

Unemployment Extensions

As of August 2016, there are no longer provisions for unemployment benefits extensions in Minnesota. During times of higher than usual unemployment, the state or federal government may provide extended unemployment insurance benefits to those who qualify.