Applying for unemployment insurance benefits can be done either online or by phone using the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Applicant Self-Service System. This system allows the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance (UI) Program to efficiently manage hundreds of thousands of applications and requests for benefit payments even during the busiest times of the year and the busiest days of the week.

Before you start your application, you should know or have available the following information:

• Social Security number;
• If you are not a U.S. citizen, Alien Registration number;
• Driver’s license number or other state government identification number;
• Mailing address;
• Telephone number;
• Birth date;
• Employment history for the past 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.
• Union name and local/lodge number;
• If you were in the military in the last 18 months, you will need information from your DD-214 Member 4 (not mandatory to apply);
• If you were a federal employee in the last 18 months, you will need information from your SF 8;
• To choose direct deposit, you will need your bank account number and bank routing number (you can also request direct deposit at a later time).

Frequently Asked Questions - Applying for Benefits

To Apply Online

1. Go to www.uimn.org, and click on Apply for UI Benefits
2. The login screen displays, enter your Social Security number.
3. Under New Applicant, click the Start button.
4. For answers to typical questions about Minnesota Unemployment Insurance benefits or to learn more about specific topic areas listed, click on the relevant link. Otherwise, click on Start the Unemployment Benefit Application.
   
   Complete the information requested on each of the screens.
   
   At the end of the application, you will be asked to review the information you entered and make changes before submitting your application.
   
   
5. Click Submit the Unemployment Benefit Application.
6. A confirmation screen displays showing you have successfully submitted your application.

To Apply by Automated Phone

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. Choose the language you want to hear (English, Spanish, Hmong, Somali).
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.