Unemployment Benefits Estimator — Minnesota

Unemployment Benefits Estimator in Minnesota

Minnesota compares 50% of your average weekly wage over the whole base period, capped at two-thirds of the state average weekly wage, against 50% of your average weekly wage in your highest quarter, capped at 43% of it — and pays the higher figure, up to $948. The floor is $37. Total benefits are the lower of a third of base-period wage credits or 26 weekly payments, which is why the payable range runs 9 to 26 weeks and why a short or uneven work history shortens a claim rather than shrinking the check. One nonpayable week comes first, and the current maximum applies to claims filed on or after the most recent annual adjustment; an older claim keeps its original rate. SNAP uses broad-based categorical eligibility at 200% FPL. Apply at https://dli.mn.gov/

Unemployment Benefits in Minnesota: Weekly Amounts and How Long They Last

Minnesota pays a weekly unemployment benefit of between $37 and $948. Those are the statutory floor and ceiling, not an estimate of what you personally would receive: your weekly benefit amount is calculated from the wages in your base period, and the maximum is reached only if those wages were high enough. Minnesota computes it this way — The higher of (a) 50% of your average weekly wage over the whole base period, capped at 66-2/3% of the state average weekly wage, or (b) 50% of your average weekly wage in your highest quarter, capped at 43% of the state average weekly wage.

These amounts apply to claims filed on or after October 26, 2025. Minnesota did not apply them retroactively to claims that were already open. If your claim began before October 26, 2025, it keeps the weekly benefit amount that was in force on the day you filed, for the life of that claim — so do not assume the figures above describe a claim you already have. Your monetary determination letter shows the rate your claim was actually set at.

• Weekly benefit range: $37 to $948
• Weeks payable: up to 26 weeks; the payable range runs 9 to 26 weeks, because lower base-period earnings exhaust a claim sooner
• Waiting week: yes — the first otherwise-payable week is unpaid, and you generally still have to file a weekly claim for it
• In effect since: October 26, 2025

How Minnesota decides how many weeks you get: Total benefits are the lower of 33-1/3% of base-period wage credits or 26 x the weekly benefit amount, so lower earners exhaust benefits in fewer than 26 weeks (US DOL shows a 9-26 week range).

Source and date: these Minnesota figures were verified on August 2, 2026 against Minnesota DEED Unemployment Insurance - Information Handbook, 'After you apply' (max WBA $948); Minn. Stat. 268.07 subd. 2a via revisor.mn.gov (formula, 26-week/one-third cap, October indexing); uimn.org 'Your First Payment' (nonpayable week); US DOL Significant Provisions of State UI Laws, January 2026 (minimum WBA, 9-26 week range), and are the amounts that agency shows as in effect since October 26, 2025. Benefit amounts and durations change — many states re-index once a year, and some change duration as the state unemployment rate moves — so check the agency link before relying on a figure. Only your monetary determination letter states your own weekly benefit amount and the number of weeks you can actually be paid.

SNAP Benefits in Minnesota

Minnesota uses Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), with a gross income limit of 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. The maximum monthly SNAP benefit for a household of 4 in Minnesota is $975. You can apply online at https://mn.gov/dhs or by calling 211.

Medicaid in Minnesota

Minnesota has expanded Medicaid under the ACA (State Medicaid). Adults earning up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level ($22,025/year for an individual) are eligible. Apply at https://mn.gov/dhs/medicaid.

Minnesota Wage Information

The minimum wage in Minnesota is $11.41/hour ($6.13/hour for tipped workers). The median household income is $82,338. Minnesota has a state income tax with a top rate of 9.85%.

Tenant Rights in Minnesota

Minnesota has no mandatory notice period for nonpayment — landlords can file immediately. The typical eviction process takes approximately 30 days. Free legal aid is available at https://www.mnlegalservices.org/.

Rent in Minnesota

The median rent in Minnesota is approximately $1,333/month for a 1-bedroom and $1,643/month for a 2-bedroom apartment. Minnesota does not have rent control.

Important Notes for Minnesota Residents

The data shown above is based on publicly available information and is updated regularly. Benefit amounts, eligibility rules, and legal requirements can change. Always verify current information with your local Minnesota agencies before making important decisions. This calculator provides estimates — not guaranteed outcomes.