You have a benefit payment due, your account is locked, or an eligibility issue has been pending for days—and now you need to speak with someone. Finding the correct MN unemployment phone number can save time and help you avoid unofficial services that may provide outdated information or charge unnecessary fees.
For applicant assistance, call 651-296-3644 if you are in the Twin Cities calling area or 1-877-898-9090 if you are elsewhere in Minnesota. Teletypewriter users can call 1-866-814-1252. These numbers connect you to the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance automated phone system and, during customer service hours, can help you reach a representative.
Minnesota unemployment phone numbers
- Twin Cities calling area: 651-296-3644
- Greater Minnesota toll-free number: 1-877-898-9090
- TTY for people who are deaf or hard of hearing: 1-866-814-1252
- Questions about an unemployment appeal: 651-296-3745
Customer service representatives are generally available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on holidays. The automated applicant self-service system is available Sunday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Check the official Minnesota Unemployment Insurance contact page before calling in case operating hours or instructions have changed.
How to speak with a representative
Calling the correct number does not always take you directly to a person. You will first hear automated prompts designed to identify your account and direct the call. Listen carefully because menu options may be updated.
The standard process is:
- Call 651-296-3644 in the Twin Cities area or 1-877-898-9090 from Greater Minnesota.
- Select English, Spanish, Hmong, or Somali. If you need another language, follow the English prompts to reach a representative and request an interpreter.
- Enter your Social Security number when prompted.
- Enter your account password followed by the pound key.
- Select the option for additional services or other options.
- Choose the option for commonly asked questions or customer service, then press 0 when offered the choice to speak with a representative.
If the system does not ask for your password, the official instructions indicate that you may need to press 2 and then 0 to reach customer service. Do not repeatedly guess your password. Multiple unsuccessful attempts could lock your account and make additional identity verification necessary.
What to have ready before calling
A representative may need to verify your identity before discussing a claim. Preparing your information in advance can make the conversation more efficient.
- Your Social Security number
- Your unemployment account password, if known
- Your current mailing address and telephone number
- The names and addresses of recent employers
- Your employment start and end dates
- The reason your employment ended or your hours were reduced
- Copies of determinations, notices, or messages related to your question
- Dates and amounts of any wages earned while requesting benefits
- Your bank information if your question concerns direct deposit
Keep a pen or note-taking app available. Write down the date of the call, the representative’s instructions, any deadlines mentioned, and the documents you are asked to provide. Never share your password through email, text message, or social media.
Reasons to call Minnesota unemployment support
Applying for benefits
You can apply through the automated phone system, although the online applicant system may be faster for many people. Phone applications are available Monday through Friday during the stated application hours. You may be transferred to a representative to complete part of the process.
Apply during the week you become unemployed or your working hours are significantly reduced. Waiting can affect which weeks are included in your claim.
Account access and password problems
If you forgot your password, try the official password-reset process first. Call customer service if you cannot answer the security question or if your account has been locked. The representative will verify your identity before restoring access. Depending on the situation, a temporary password may be mailed to the address on file rather than provided immediately over the phone.
Pending eligibility issues
A pending issue does not automatically mean that your application has been denied. Minnesota may need information from you, an employer, or another source before deciding whether you qualify. Continue responding to official requests and requesting benefits for each eligible week while a decision or appeal is pending. Missing weekly requests may prevent payment for those weeks.
Separation from your job
Eligibility can require additional review when you quit, were discharged, or stopped working for a reason other than a lack of available work. Be ready to explain the specific events surrounding your separation. Dates, written notices, emails, schedules, medical documentation when applicable, and records of conversations may help clarify what happened.
If you left voluntarily, review what may happen when you quit your job and apply for unemployment benefits. A representative can explain the status of your individual claim, but cannot guarantee eligibility before the required review is completed.
Appeal questions
Call 651-296-3745 if you have questions about an unemployment appeal. However, an appeal cannot be filed simply by calling that number. Follow the filing instructions and deadline printed on your determination. Appeals generally must be submitted electronically, by mail, or by fax within the specified period.
Can you request weekly benefits by phone?
Yes. The automated system can be used to request benefit payments, review certain account information, reactivate an account, and manage selected payment settings. Minnesota may assign specific phone-request periods based on the final digit of your Social Security number, so listen to account instructions carefully.
You must request a payment for every week you want considered, even if an eligibility decision or appeal is still pending. During the weekly request, accurately report work, earnings, availability, and job-search activity. Keep your own record of the date each request was completed.
Other ways to contact the program
If a representative asks you to submit documents, confirm the correct delivery method and include identifying information as instructed. The Minnesota Unemployment Insurance customer service mailing address is P.O. Box 4629, St. Paul, MN 55101-4629. The customer service fax number is 651-205-4007.
Mail and fax may be appropriate for certain documents, but they do not replace a required online appeal or weekly benefit request. Read every notice closely because it will identify the correct procedure and deadline.
How to protect yourself from unemployment scams
Use only the official MN unemployment phone number and state website. Be cautious if someone contacts you unexpectedly and asks for your password, payment, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or a fee to release benefits. Minnesota does not require you to pay a private company to file a standard unemployment claim.
When in doubt, end the call and dial the official number yourself. Reaching the right office may require patience, but using verified contact information is the safest way to receive accurate guidance about your claim.
