Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) is a federal extended benefits program effective July 6, 2008. Eligible applicants who exhaust their regular benefits are automatically moved to EUC. By law, no new EUC accounts can be established for a week later than March 31, 2009 and no EUC payments can be made for any week ending after June 30, 2009.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for EUC benefits?
To be eligible for any week of EUC benefits you must:

• have exhausted your regular Minnesota unemployment benefits or your benefit year ended after April 30, 2007;
• have no rights to regular or extended benefits under any state (including Minnesota) or federal UI program;
• be unemployed or have your work hours significantly reduced;
• continue to look for work. Other eligibility requirements (able to work, available for work) are the same as regular unemployment benefits;
• not be receiving benefits from Canada;
• have base period wages of at least 40 times the weekly benefit amount of your most recent regular unemployment benefit account; and,
• not be ineligible under any other provision of state UI law.

How do I apply for EUC benefits?

Apply for EUC benefits online by logging in to your UI account at www.uimn.org or using the automated phone option -Twin Cities area: 651-296-3644; toll free: 1-877-898-9090; TTY (for the hearing impaired): 1-866-814-1252.

Can I request EUC benefits for weeks I was unemployed before July 6, 2008?

No. July 6, 2008 is the first week the extension was available.

What is the weekly amount of EUC benefits?

The weekly benefit amount for EUC is the same as the amount on your most recent regular unemployment benefit account.

What is the maximum amount of EUC benefits that is available?

The maximum amount of EUC available is 50% of the maximum benefit amount from your most recent regular unemployment benefit account.

How are EUC benefits paid?

EUC benefit payments will be made by direct deposit or by debit card. Deposits are made to your bank account associated with your most recent unemployment benefit account, or to the unemployment debit card you received for unemployment insurance. If your bank account has changed since you last received benefits, please update your banking information in your UI benefit account. If you have lost or misplaced your unemployment debit card, reference Frequently Asked Questions about the Unemployment Debit Card for information on how to have it replaced.

How long is EUC available?

The program will be available through March 31, 2009. Individual accounts are subject to the 50% of prior account limitation as indicated above. The last week EUC benefits can be paid is the week ending July 4, 2009.

Who pays for EUC benefits?

All EUC benefits are funded by federal sources. No Minnesota private, government, non-profit or Indian tribe employer will be charged for any of these benefits.