Being unemployed or laid off from your job can be annoying, especially when it’s not your fault, but circumstances beyond your control can make it, for example, the Covid-19 pandemic.
So, this brings us down to questions people ask when they lose their job “how do I file for unemployment to collect my benefits”?
Taking you through the answer to the question, we have narrowed it down to unemployment in Minnesota.
This article will help you (as a resident of Minnesota) to understand how to file for unemployment in Minnesota, the requirement they need to file it, and the eligibility they must meet to be able to file for Minnesota unemployment.
In addition, we will look at the benefits you are eligible for if you meet all the requirements to file for Minnesota unemployment.
Table of contents
What is Minnesota Unemployment Insurance?
Unemployment benefits provide temporary financial support to people who are unemployed due to no fault of their own and who meet Minnesota’s eligibility conditions.
Unemployment Eligibility Requirements in Minnesota
The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) in Minnesota is in charge of unemployment compensation and decides eligibility on a case-by-case basis.
In order to receive unemployment benefits in Minnesota, applicants must complete the following three requirements:
- You must have met certain minimum earnings requirements in the past.
- You must be unemployed due to circumstances beyond your control, as defined by Minnesota law.
- Also, you must be capable and available, as well as actively looking for work.
Read this: How To File For Unemployment In PA
Who is eligible for Minnesota Unemployment Insurance?
You must be a Minnesota resident and meet all the following requirements to be eligible for this benefit program:
- Unemployed, and
- Worked in Minnesota for the previous 12 months (this period may be extended in some situations), and
- Earned a minimum amount of wages specified by Minnesota criteria, and
- Actively seeking work each week while receiving benefits.
Unemployment Minnesota minimum earning requirement
To determine eligibility for Oklahoma unemployment, your recent work history and earnings during a one-year base period look upon.
You need to be aware that the base period is the first four of the five-quarter calendar before you file your benefits claim.
If you filed your claim in July 2021, for example, your base period would be from February 2020 through January 2021.
For you to gain the Minnesota Benefits, you need to meet the requirements below
- You should earn $1,000 during the base period
- During the base period, you should earn at least 5.3% of your earnings in the highest paid a quarter of the year.
How to File for Unemployment Benefits in Minnesota
You can apply for unemployment benefits either online or over the phone. You must continue to file weekly claims with the DEED for each week for which you are seeking benefits after you have filed your initial claim.
The DEED will give you various documentation when it receives your application, including a Determination of Benefit Account, which shows your probable weekly benefit amount and duration.
Read: How To File For Unemployment In Ohio
How Can One Qualify For Unemployment Benefits
To qualify for unemployment benefits, you must be out of work through no fault of your own. Here are some ways:
Collecting Unemployment After a Layoff
You will meet this condition if you were laid off, lost your work in a reduction-in-force (RIF), or were “downsized” for economic reasons.
Collecting Unemployment After Being Fired
If you were fired because you lacked the necessary abilities or just weren’t a good match for the job, you may still be eligible for unemployment benefits.
However, you will not be eligible for unemployment benefits if your activities are considered “misconduct.”
Misconduct in Minnesota is defined as any purposeful or thoughtless behavior that demonstrates a significant lack of regard for the job.
Here are some examples of misconduct.
- Being late or absent without a good excuse regularly
- Arriving at work while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Breaking company rules
- Intentionally failing to execute work obligations
- Insubordination
- Theft, assault, or harassing behavior
Collecting Unemployment After Quitting
If you quit your job without good reason, you will not be entitled to unemployment benefits.
In general, the good cause criteria will be met if you had to relocate because your spouse found a new job, if you had to leave to care for a family member who was seriously ill, or if you fled to flee domestic violence.
Read: How to ask for an Internships Email Templates and Samples
Are You Actively Searching For a Job?
To keep your unemployment benefits, you must be able to work, willing to take a job, and actively looking for work.
You must take an appropriate position if they offer it to you.
A job is appropriate if it is reasonably relevant to your qualifications and if the hours, pay, distance, and other working conditions are typical of your field.
You must also apply for this position with a clear conscience and offer details of employers you’ve contacted, as the DEED will want to verify your efforts.
Amount and Duration of Unemployment Benefits in Minnesota
Your weekly benefit rate in Minnesota unemployment will be about 50% of your average weekly wage during the base period, up to a maximum that changes every year, depending on the state’s average weekly wage if you are eligible for benefits.
Each week, you will receive $762 maximum. And you can receive this for 26 weeks. (High unemployment could lead to more benefits)
Also, check this: What is Unemployment Insurance? | How to file in NJ
Few steps on how to file for unemployment in Minnesota
Let’s dive in on a few ways how you can file for unemployment in Minnesota
#1. Check to see whether you’re eligible:
Unemployment Insurance, which gives assistance to qualifying people who have lost their jobs, provides temporary income.
You meet the benefit conditions if you are ready to work, your unemployment was not your fault, and you can earn $1,000 throughout the base period, as previously stated.
#2. Make sure you have all of your information ready ahead of time:
You should have the necessary documents in order to understand how to file for unemployment in Minnesota.
- Social security number
- Name, address, and email address
- Start and end dates of employment
- If you’re a non-citizen, you’ll need an alien registration number and expiration date.
- Minnesota driver’s license or state-issued ID card number
- Earned wages and how you were paid (hourly, weekly, or monthly)
- If you work for the government, fill out form SF 50.
- DD Form 214 is required for military service.
#3. Complete the initial application:
Be sure to open an account and complete the process at www.uimn.org
Then log in to your account to create a traditional unemployment compensation application. Closing the window will make you start all over again in the application.
But application takes an hour or more due to individual requirements.
After your application, a letter will be sent to you based on your claim determination.
Read: Latest Information Interview Email template for free Download
4. After you file your claim:
Ensure you verify your identity on www.uimn.org or in person at the work office. 2 things are expected of you in this Minnesota unemployment work office, which is:
- Create an account for job searching
- Also, perform two work search efforts each week you claim benefits. You can search for jobs on LinkedIn and keep a record of it.
Conclusion
Unemployment benefits in Minnesota give temporary and partial compensation for lost wages (that is, money). This is beneficial to employees who have lost their jobs due to no fault of their own.
If you qualify, these benefits can help you meet your basic needs while you look for a job.
Unemployment in Minnesota can also assist you to acquire more information and, if you are available, finding a new job.
References
- Nolo – Collecting Unemployment Benefits in Minnesota
- Information – Information Handbook Applying for benefits
- Career Wise – Unemployment Benefits in Minnesota
Recommendations
