Application process

The application process is how we determine if you are eligible to receive unemployment benefits.

You should apply for benefits the same week you become unemployed or your hours are greatly reduced. If you work 32 or more hours in a week, you are not considered to be unemployed for that week.

Get ready to apply

Review the sections below to learn what to expect when you apply for unemployment benefits.

Before you start the application, have the following information available:
- Social Security number
  - Note: entering an incorrect social security number will result in delays in payments or denial of benefits.
- Driver's license number or other state government identification number
- Employment history for the last 18 months, including:
  - Each employer's name, address and telephone number
  - Dates of employment (month and year)
  - Pay rate
  - Reason you no longer work for the employer
- Your bank account number and routing number, if you want direct deposit.
  - Note: If you do not select direct deposit as your payment method during the application, we will send you an unemployment debit card. You can change your payment method at any time (see Payment Options for instructions).
You may need additional information in certain circumstances. If you:
- Served in the military in the last 18 months: you will need your DD-214 Member 4
- Were a federal employee in the last 18 months: you will need your SF8 and SF50
- Are not a U.S. citizen: you will need your work authorization document
- Are a trade union member: you will need your trade union name and the local number of your hiring hall
Instructions to help you complete your application
Brochures and Step-by-step instructions
Videos

Complete an application

You can apply for unemployment insurance benefits either online or by phone using the self-service system.

The day you apply for benefits will not affect the amount of benefits you receive.

Important tips
Apply online
Apply by phone

Important tips to ensure your application can be processed timely

Unfortunately, identity theft is a common occurrence. Identity thieves sometimes use stolen identities to apply for unemployment benefits.

To verify your identity, we review your answers to ALL questions. We also verify the information you provide using other data sources. It is very important to read each question carefully and to give an accurate, complete response. Incorrect or incomplete information will result in delays in payments (or denial of benefits altogether).

Here are some tips:
- Enter your social security number accurately.
  - Entering an incorrect Social Security Number will cause a delay in your payments or denial of benefits.
  - If you do not remember your Social Security Number, wait to apply for benefits until you find it. Your Social Security card or income tax forms will display your number.
- If you have a drivers’ license number, enter it.
- If you have common name, enter your middle initial if you have one.
- Enter your entire work history (don’t skip over any jobs).
- Take the time to select your correct occupation.
Completing an application online

Play video | Transcript | Video disclaimer

If you would like to know what to expect as you apply for benefits, review the Step-by-step guide to completing the UI Application.

Start an online application
1. Go to www.uimn.org and select Applicant.
2. Under I Need to..., click Apply for Benefits.
3. On the Login page, under New Applicant, enter your Social Security number and select Start.
4. Follow the prompts and then select Start the Unemployment Benefit Application. Complete the information requested on each page.
5. At the end of the application, you will be asked to review the information you entered and make changes before submitting your application. Once the application is submitted, you cannot make changes.
6. Select Submit the Unemployment Benefit Application.
After you finish your application, a confirmation page will display to show it was submitted successfully
Submit an application by automated phone

You can apply by phone Monday - Friday, between 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
1. Call one of the following phone numbers:
  - Twin Cities area: 651-296-3644
  - Greater Minnesota: 1-877-898-9090
  - TTY (for the hearing impaired): 1-866-814-1252
2. Make your language choice (English, Spanish, Hmong, Somali). If you need another language, press 1 and follow the prompts to speak to a representative and request an interpreter.
3. Enter your Social Security number.
  - If your Social Security number is not recognized, choose either frequently requested information or apply for benefits.
  - If the system recognizes your Social Security number as having a current unemployment benefit account, enter your password, and then respond to the options available to you.
4. Follow the prompts.
At the end of the call, you will be transferred to a Customer Service Representative to complete your application.

After You Apply

We will mail you a Determination of Benefit Account that shows your weekly benefit amount and total amount of benefits available.

The determination does not necessarily mean you will receive benefits.
We will mail you a separate determination if we need to make a decision about your eligibility for benefits. See Pending issues for more information.

Application process

Get ready to apply

Complete an application

After You Apply

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