The Minnesota legislature passed and the Governor signed into law legislation that authorizes the Department to reimburse applicants for certain types of financial loss where unemployment benefits were delayed four weeks or more because of the implementation of the new computer system on October 15, 2007. See Laws 2008, Chapter 363, Article 10, Section 30 (Hardship Payments).

The law authorizes reimbursement for losses resulting from:

1. checks returned for insufficient funds;
2. account overdraft charges;
3. installment credit penalties, interest, and other fees resulting from missed or late payments;
4. mortgage loan late fees, interest charges, or other penalties;
5. charges for force-placed automobile or homeowner’s insurance;
6. penalties for late payment of income or property taxes; or
7. any penalties or adverse consequences, including the suspension of an applicant’s driver’s license due to nonpayment of child support.

The law requires an applicant to provide documentation of the amount of the financial loss claimed using:

1. financial institution records;
2. consumer or business credit records;
3. child support records; or
4. other commonly recognized methods of documenting financial transactions.

The Department mailed letters June 13, 2008 to applicants that Department records indicate may have had unemployment benefits delayed four weeks or more as a result of implementation of the new computer system. If you were not notified by letter but believe you qualify for reimbursement, please print and complete the application form and mail it, with a copy of the documentation supporting the amount of the financial loss claimed, to:

MN Department of Employment and Economic Development
Attn: Legal Affairs
1st National Bank Building
332 Minnesota St., Suite E200
St. Paul, MN 55101

If you have any questions, contact Legal Affairs by mail at the above address or call:

651-259-7280 or 651-259-7240
TTY (for the hearing impaired): 1-866-814-1252