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Minnesota

These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on April 27, 2020.

For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in Minnesota, we recommend that you visit the state's COVID-19 Resource website.

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Description of Program and Relief

Unemployment Insurance Benefits

Unemployed workers affected by COVID-19 may be eligible for benefits under already-existing Minnesota unemployment insurance, which provides temporary income for workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own and who are either looking for new jobs, in approved training, or awaiting recall to employment. The governor has passed a bill specifically stating that those who miss work as a result of COVID-19 may be eligible, with eligibility requirements as outlined below.

Government or Lead Agency

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development

Dates Available

Effective immediately

Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions

Information on eligibility is located here.

Workers unemployed due to COVID-19 are eligible for unemployment benefits if:

  • A healthcare professional or health authority recommended or ordered them to avoid contact with others.

  • They have been ordered not to come to their workplace due to an outbreak of a communicable disease.

  • They have received notification from a school district, daycare, or other childcare provider that either classes are canceled or the applicant’s ordinary childcare is unavailable, provided that the applicant made reasonable effort to obtain other childcare and requested time off or other accommodation from the employer and no reasonable accommodation was available.

Workers unemployed from factors other than COVID-19 may also apply for unemployment.

Application Deadlines (If Applicable)

N/A

Contact for More Information

For more information, visit the Department of Employment and Economic Development’s website at https://mn.gov/deed/. The website has noted their capacity to answer phone calls may be limited in the upcoming weeks.

List of Additional Information

To apply, visit https://www.uimn.org/applicants/howapply/index.jsp.


© 2021 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes.

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