Minnesota Unemployed

A Guide to Working in Minnesota

What is this Guide?
This guide contains information for users that have lost their job, are looking to transition to a new job or just need help finding assistance.

How do I use this guide?
Use the table of contents below or the navigation on the right to find the subjects that are relevant to you.

A note about the guide from the MinnesotaUnemployed.com staff.
This guide was created from feedback and links gathered since we started this website. We know this is not all that is out there, and we welcome any additions you may have. Add a comment on the comments page of this guide or add your comments to the MinnesotaUnemployed.com Forum.


Table of Contents


What to do after you lose your job

File for Unemployment

You may be eligible for Unemployment Insurance if you are laid off. If you are unemployed for any other reason – you will need to follow a process to determine if you are eligible for benefits.

  • Apply the same week you are unemployed online at the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Information and Benefits System
  • You can also use an automated phone option available in four languages:
    • Twin Cities: 651-296-3644
    • Great Minnesota 1-877-898-9090
  • Your weekly amount will be about 50% of your average weekly wage up to a state maximum of $578 dollars.
  • Seven days after you first apply for benefits you will receive a Password Notification letter which will include the password you created and instructions for requesting benefit payments
  • There is a 'non-payable week', which means you will not be paid the first week you request a benefit payment.
  • Make a request for benefit payment every week by going online to the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Information and Benefits System or call the automated phone system numbers listed above.
  • For additional information – read the Unemployment Insurance Information Handbook
  • NoteIf you want to talk to someone…call the same numbers listed above – at some point you will be given the option to speak directly to a UI representative.

Arrange for Health Care

COBRA Continuous Health Coverage(www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq_compliance_cobra.html) FAQ's for employees to learn about their rights for continued health coverage.


What to do when you run out of money

There is an assumption made here that – if at all possible - you will or have contacted family and friends to ask for support and help.

HOW BAD IS IT?

___  Complete a Financial Planning Worksheetstatus-download Download a basic excel Financial Planning Worksheet.

___  Seek financial counseling to develop strategies including contacting your creditors and negotiating payment on debt. Lutheran Social Services offers a financial counseling service.


Note Contact County Social Services to determine if you are eligible for food support, general assistance, health care and housing services.

Assistance will be provided for filling out forms and determining eligibility

Wikipedia Find a list of the counties in Minnesota.

If you are not eligible for County services:

  1. Make Sure You Have Food
    • Food Shelves
  2. Take Care of Your Health
    Note Federal Law requires that if you request or a request is made on your behalf, all emergency rooms must treat you.
  3. Secure Housing
  4. If you can’t afford to pay for your phone anymore…
  5. Get Legal Assistance if You Need It
    • Legal Assistance
      • Legal Services Corporation Provides free or low cost legal advice or representation of low income individuals or families in Minnesota.
  6. Look For Other Support Services
    • United Way Twin Cities Call Center [2-1-1] 651-291-0211
      Trained information specialists and volunteers that connect users to community resources.
    • MinnesotaHelp.info An online directory of services designed to help people in Minnesota find human services, information and referral, financial assistance, and other forms of help.
  7. Other Miscellaneous Efforts
  8. Continue Looking for Employment and Training and Education Resources
  9. Take Care of Yourself Mentally, Emotionally and Spiritually
    • Mental and emotional health should be part of a planned regime that might include joining support groups, walking, reaching out to friends and family, and having a daily routine that is structured, but allows for some fun. Churches, synagogues, and other faith-based organizations offer guidance, support, and hope through fellowship and prayer services.

Related Links


Tax Assistance

Use these links to find tax services that are suited to your needs.


Housing Assistance

Minnesota Home Ownership Center (www.hocmn.org) An independent, non-profit provider of information and resources aimed at helping Minnesotans begin, and maintain, home ownership

Homes & Communities, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (www.hud.gov/local/mn/homeless/shelterslisting.cfm) Provides a list of shelters and emergency housing in Minnesota.


Food Assistance

Do you and everyone who lives with you get Supplemental Security Income (SSI), General Assistance (GA) or Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA)?

___ Yes   ___ No

Do you get either Transition Year Child Care or Basic Sliding Fee Child Care assistance?

___ Yes  ___ No

Do you participate in the Diversionary Work Program (DWP) or Work Benefit (WB) Program?

___ Yes  ___ No

If you answered 'Yes' to any of the above questions, you may be able to get food support. Contact your county human services office or call (888) 711-1151.


If you answered “no” then answer the questions below.

Are your household assets (cash on hand, money in checking or a savings account) less than $7,000?

___ Yes  ___ No

Is your monthly income below the income amounts listed?

___ Yes  ___ No

Number of people Monthly income before taxes
1 $1,174
2 $1,579
3 $1,984
4 $2,389
5 $2,794

If you answered 'Yes' to these questions, you may be able to get food support.

You will be required to complete the Combined Application Form (CAF)and submit it to your county human services agency.

If you have questions, you can call the Food Support Hotline. Metro call 651-431-4050 and Outstate Minnesota call 1-800-657-3698.


Energy Assistance

Maximum Eligible Income for Program Dates 10-01-2010 to 09-30-2011

Heating Assistance

The Minnesota Energy Assistance Program uses the past 3 months of household income prior to signing the application and/or last year's federal tax forms for self-employment income for making eligibility determinations.

Household Size Annual Income 3-Month Income
1 $22,620 $5,655
2 $29,580 $7,395
3 $36,540 $9,135
4 $43,500 $10,875
5 $50,460 $12,615
6 $57,420 $14,355
7 $58,725 $14,681
8 $60,030 $15,007
9 $61,335 $15,333
10 $62,640 $15,660
11 $63,945 $15,986
12 $65,250 $16,312
13 $66,555 $16,638
14 $67,860 $16,965
15* $69,509 $17,377
16* $73,623 $18,405

*Based on 50% of State Median Income or 110% of Poverty, whichever is greater.

For each additional household member add $4,114 to annual income and $1,028 to 3-month income.


Weatherization Assistance

The Minnesota Weatherization Assistance Program uses the past 3 months of household income prior to signing the application and/or last year's federal tax forms for self-employment income for making eligibility determinations.

Household Size Annual Income 3-Month Income
1 $22,620 $5,655
2 $29,580 $7,395
3 $36,620 $9,155
4 $44,100 $11,025
5 $51,580 $12,895
6 $59,060 $14,765
7 $66,540 $16,635
8 $74,020 $18,505

*Based on 200% of Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.

For each additional household member add $7,480 to annual income and $1,870 to 3-month income.

Click on the Office of Energy Security, Minnesota Department of Commerce Click on low income assistance and locate help near you by clicking on Energy Assistance Providers or Weatherization Providers.


How to prepare for getting a job

Do you need to finish or go to school?

  • Minnesota Adult Basic Education (www.freefile.irs.gov) Provides adults with educational opportunities to acquire and improve their literacy skills necessary to become self-sufficient and to participate effectively as productive workers, family members, and citizens.

Do you need some training to upgrade your skills?


What you need to know before you look for a job

Have you completed an assessment?

Have you done career exploration?

Do you have a career plan?


How to find a job

Have you been to your workforce center?

Are you doing an on-line job search?

Are you networking?

Do you have a current professional resume?

Do you know how to write a cover letter?


How to keep a job

Do you need training and professional development?

Should you join a professional association?

How do you do career laddering?

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