Stopping and starting benefit payments

What if I go back to work?

  • When you return to full-time work or want to stop requesting benefit payments for any reason, make your final request and then stop requesting. You do not need to notify us that you returned to work.
  • If you start work at your new job in the middle of a week, report your hours worked and your earnings for the week, even if you haven't been paid yet. You may be eligible to receive a partial benefit payment.
  • Remember to report your hours worked and earnings, even if you haven't been paid yet. This includes your hours worked and earnings from part-time or temporary jobs.
  • Be sure to keep your password and unemployment debit card (if you have one) in a safe place in case you need to start requesting benefits again.
  • Keep the address on your account up to date for at least four years after your last request for payment. Even after you stop requesting benefits, your account may be audited or we may need to contact you for other reasons. If we can't reach you, audit findings will be made without your input, and you will be responsible for any overpayments that might result.

What if I'm unemployed again?

Log in to your account at ui.mn.gov or call the automated phone system. You will be guided to either reactivate your existing account or apply for a new one. Either way you should be ready to provide details about your most recent employment. Remember to make sure your contact information, tax withholding and direct deposit information is up to date.

If you don’t remember your password, select the “Forgot your password” link. If you enter the wrong password too many times, your account will be locked. For security reasons, a locked account can only be unlocked by calling our Customer Service Center. After speaking with a representative, a temporary password will be mailed to you.

Once logged in, you may see several options:

  • Request benefit payments
    • Complete any available payment requests before reactivating an existing account or applying for a new account.
    • Some of the available payment requests may be for weeks that you worked.
    • Make sure you accurately report any hours you worked or income you received.
  • Reactivate your existing unemployment account
    • You should reactivate your current account if that option is available.
    • Select Reactivate and complete the abbreviated application.
    • Make sure your contact information, tax withholding and direct deposit information is up to date.
  • Apply for a new unemployment account
    • This option appears if your previous unemployment account is too old to reactivate. 
    • Select Apply for Benefits.

If your regular unemployment benefits are nearly exhausted, you may be eligible for a benefit extension.