Unemployment Insurance Job Aid
Q&A walkthrough of Minnesota Unemployment Insurance — eligibility, how to apply, reporting, and how UI interacts with other benefits.
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Unemployment Insurance – Full Q&A Breakdown
(Source: Unemployment Insurance Job Aid
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PURPOSE
Q: What is the purpose of the Unemployment Insurance Job Aid?
A: It helps Hub staff provide accurate information to individuals about Unemployment Insurance (UI), including eligibility, filing, benefits, and common scenarios.
GENERAL ELIGIBILITY
Q: Who is eligible for Unemployment Insurance benefits?
To qualify for UI, a person must:
- Have sufficient earnings in their base period
- Be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
- Be unemployed or working substantially reduced hours through no fault of their own
- Actively seek suitable employment each week
- Be able and willing to start work immediately when offered
Q: How does someone apply for UI?
A:
- Apply online at www.uimn.org.
- For help applying, call 651-296-3644 or 1-877-898-9080 (TTY: 1-866-814-1252), Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Q: How long must someone have worked to qualify for UI?
A: They must have earned at least $3,000 in one quarter during the past 18 months.
Q: Are certain types of jobs automatically ineligible for UI?
A: No. There are no specific types of employment that automatically do not qualify.
UI RESOURCES
Q: What resources are available for learning about UI?
A:
- Information Handbook (UI overview, applications, eligibility)
- COVID-19 FAQ
COVID-19 RELATED QUESTIONS
Q: My employer reduced my hours because of COVID-19. Am I eligible?
A: You may be eligible if your hours or pay rate were substantially reduced. All workers affected by COVID-19 are encouraged to apply.
Q: My employer temporarily or permanently laid me off due to COVID-19. Am I eligible?
A: Most likely yes. UI benefits are available to people unemployed through no fault of their own, as long as other requirements are met.
Q: I took a voluntary layoff due to COVID-19. Can I receive UI?
A: It’s possible. You should apply, and UI will determine eligibility.
Q: I took a voluntary unpaid leave because of COVID-19. Can I get UI?
A: Apply to find out—UI will review your situation and decide.
Q: My employer required me to take a leave due to COVID-19. Am I eligible?
A:
- If you are receiving paid leave (vacation, sick, PTO), you are not eligible.
- If the leave is unpaid, you may be eligible.
Q: I can’t work because my child’s school or daycare is closed due to COVID-19. Can I receive UI?
A: Possibly. If childcare is unavailable, you requested accommodation from your employer, and it was denied, you may be eligible (if all other requirements are met).
Q: I’m self-employed. Can I get UI?
A: Maybe—guidance depends on federal rules.
FILING & ACCOUNT QUESTIONS
Q: Can I call UI customer service with general questions?
A:
- Yes—call during normal business hours for password issues.
- For account-specific questions, call Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Q: Should I file for UI or take PTO?
Answer: If your employer is paying out PTO, you may want to take it because it can affect your UI account. File for UI to find out how it impacts you.
Q: Will I be required to look for work while receiving UI?
A:
- Temporarily laid off: Stay in contact with your employer.
- Permanently laid off: You must actively seek work.
- General work search requirements are available under Seeking Suitable Employment.
Q: What is the expected wait time between applying and receiving the first payment?
A: After submitting a request, wait 48 hours before calling with payment questions.
Q: How long does UI pay benefits?
A: Under normal circumstances, UI pays up to 26 weeks.
Q: What payment options are available?
A:
- Direct deposit to checking or savings
- U.S. Bank ReliaCard (unemployment debit card)
Q: What are the minimum and maximum UI benefit amounts?
A: Use the benefit estimator at www.uimn.org to estimate your eligibility.
IMPACT ON OTHER BENEFITS
Q: Can I file for UI while receiving SSDI?
A: Yes. File, and UI will determine how SSDI impacts eligibility.
Q: How does UI affect SSI benefits?
A: UI may affect SSI. Contact SSI to find out how it impacts your case.
Q: Will UI or stimulus payments affect SSDI?
A: No—neither UI nor stimulus payments affect SSDI.
Q: Does UI count as earned income?
A:
- For many programs, UI does not count as earned income.
- But each program may treat UI differently—check with that specific program.
- UI benefits are taxable income.
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