2026 · Minnesota
Minnesota unemployment benefits
Minnesota pays up to $948 a week for up to 26 weeks, one of the highest maximums in the country (#3 of 51). Estimate yours below.
Minnesota's 2026 figures
| Weekly benefit range | $37 - $948 |
| Maximum duration | 26 weeks (9-26) |
| Waiting week | Yes, one unpaid week |
| How it's figured | high quarter |
| Taxed by Minnesota? | Yes |
Worked example: a $60,000 earner in Minnesota
On a $60,000 prior wage, the estimate is about $577 a week (within Minnesota's $37-$948 range). Over 26 weeks that's up to $15,002 in total. Minnesota has an unpaid one-week waiting week, so your first payment covers the second week you claim.
Minnesota against its neighbors
Minnesota's $948 weekly cap is the highest among its bordering states. Benefits come from the state where your wages were reported, so a recent move doesn't change which formula applies to you.
Worked in a bordering state? Its rules apply instead: Iowa , North Dakota , South Dakota , Wisconsin .
Questions about Minnesota unemployment
How much does Minnesota pay in unemployment?
Between $37 and $948 a week in 2026, based on your prior wages (high quarter). The $948 maximum is one of the highest maximums in the country (#3 of 51).
How long does Minnesota unemployment last?
Up to 26 weeks9-26. At the $948 weekly maximum that caps total potential benefits at $24,648. The duration and the weekly amount are set separately, Minnesota sizes the check off high quarter but counts weeks on its own rules, so low earners may qualify for fewer weeks, and two people with the same weekly benefit can exhaust at different times.
Is Minnesota unemployment taxed?
Federally, yes, it's ordinary income (elect 10% withholding on Form W-4V). Minnesota also taxes it on the state return.
Does severance affect my Minnesota unemployment?
Filing timing can matter. Some states delay or reduce unemployment while severance is being paid, and the rule varies. Minnesota's treatment is not modeled here, confirm the timing with Minnesota DEED / Unemployment Insurance before you file, since it is a real-money decision. Confirm the timing with Minnesota DEED / Unemployment Insurance before you file rather than after, a difference of one week in when the claim starts can change whether a severance payment offsets the benefit. The tax side of the severance itself is on the Minnesota severance page.
File with Minnesota DEED / Unemployment Insurance. This is an estimate, Minnesota DEED / Unemployment Insurance determines your actual benefit.
Your Minnesota layoff toolkit
- Minnesota severance tax the tax on your severance
- Runway calculator how long your money lasts
- Minnesota paycheck calculator your take-home when you're back at work
- Minnesota 1099 tax if you go freelance or contract
An estimate, Minnesota's agency determines your actual benefit. Figures from the verified 2026 dataset, last verified 2026-07-24. Nothing you enter is stored. Not tax or legal advice.