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Unemployment calculator  →  Minnesota

Minnesota Unemployment Calculator (2026)

In 2026, Minnesota pays $37 to as much as $948 per week in unemployment benefits, for up to 26 weeks. Minnesota runs your wages through two different formulas and pays whichever gives you more — a claimant-friendly rule that only a few states have.

Data verified 2026-07-04Source: US DOL + state statuteEffective 2026-01-01
Weekly benefit range
$37 – $611
Duration
9–26 weeks
Formula
higher of two statutory methods
Apply with
Minnesota's unemployment agency official
The actual rule

How Minnesota calculates it

Minnesota calculates your benefit two ways and gives you the higher result. Formula one: 50% of your average weekly wage in your highest-earning quarter (your high quarter wages divided by 13), capped at 43% of the state's average weekly wage — a cap of $611 in 2026. Formula two: 50% of your average weekly wage across the whole base period (total base period wages divided by 52), capped at 66.67% of the state's average weekly wage — a cap of $948.

So the practical range for 2026 is $37 at the bottom to $948 at the top. Formula one usually wins for people whose income was concentrated in one strong quarter; formula two's higher cap ($948 vs. $611) can pay more if you earned steadily at a high level all year. Either way, Minnesota automatically uses whichever is higher.

Benefits last 9 to 26 weeks. Your total payout is the lesser of one-third of your base period wages or 26 times your weekly benefit, so a steadier, longer work history generally means more weeks.

higher of two statutory methods, clamped to $37 – $611
Source: US DOL “Significant Provisions of State UI Laws” (Jan 2026) + state statute · verified 2026-07-04
Qualifying

Do you qualify in Minnesota?

To qualify on wages, you need base period earnings of at least 5.3% of the state's average annual wage — a dollar threshold Minnesota updates each year. There's no requirement to have worked a set number of weeks, so what matters is your total earnings.

You also need to meet the usual non-monetary rules: you lost your job through no fault of your own (a layoff counts), you're able to work, you're available for work, and you're actively looking for a job each week you claim.

Maximum total benefit: Lesser of 1/3 BPW or 26 x WBA.

Common questions

Minnesota unemployment, in plain language

How much unemployment will I get in Minnesota? +
In 2026, Minnesota pays between $37 and $948 per week, which is roughly half of your former weekly wage. The state runs two formulas — one based on your best quarter (capped at $611) and one based on your full year of wages (capped at $948) — and pays whichever is higher.
How long does unemployment last in Minnesota? +
Between 9 and 26 weeks. Your total benefit is the lesser of one-third of your base period wages or 26 times your weekly amount, so a longer and steadier work history generally means more weeks of coverage.
How is the weekly benefit calculated in Minnesota? +
Minnesota calculates it two ways and pays the higher one: 50% of your high-quarter weekly wage (high quarter wages divided by 13), capped at $611 in 2026; or 50% of your average weekly wage over the whole base period (total wages divided by 52), capped at $948. You don't have to choose — the state applies the better formula automatically.
Can I work part-time while on unemployment in Minnesota? +
Yes, but your benefit is reduced by 50 cents for every dollar you earn. So a week where you earn $200 lowers your check by $100. Report all work and earnings each week so your payment is figured correctly.
Do I qualify for unemployment in Minnesota? +
On the wage side, you need base period wages of at least 5.3% of Minnesota's average annual wage — a threshold the state updates each year. You must also be out of work through no fault of your own, able to work, and actively job searching.
Why does Minnesota have two maximum benefit amounts? +
Because it uses two formulas. The high-quarter formula caps at $611 per week in 2026, while the full-base-period formula caps at $948. Minnesota pays whichever formula gives you more, so higher steady earners can reach the $948 cap.
Is unemployment taxable in Minnesota? +
Yes, unemployment benefits count as taxable income on your federal return. You can ask to have 10% withheld from each payment by filing Form W-4V, which helps you avoid a surprise bill at tax time. State tax treatment varies, so check your state's rules.
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