Minnesota Unemployment Calculator
Your base period is determined by the date your claim begins.
Your Estimated Benefits
Base Period Used
Estimated Weekly Benefit
Estimated Maximum Benefit Amount
Estimated Duration
This is an estimate. Your actual benefits are determined by the Minnesota DEED after you file a claim. Benefit amounts are subject to annual changes.
What Is the Minnesota Unemployment Calculator?
The Minnesota Unemployment Calculator is an online benefits estimator. It allows you to enter your wages for the last four quarters and your claim start date. Based on Minnesota’s unemployment insurance rules, it provides an estimate of:
- The base period used for your claim
- Your estimated weekly unemployment benefit
- The maximum total benefits you can receive
- How many weeks of unemployment you may qualify for
Keep in mind:
These are estimates only. Your actual benefits are determined by DEED after you submit your claim.
How the Calculator Works
The calculator uses Minnesota’s unemployment formula, which is based on your recent wages. Here’s a breakdown:
- Base Period
Your base period is the 12-month window of wages used to calculate your benefits.- Standard base period: The first four of the last five completed calendar quarters.
- Alternate base period: Used if you don’t qualify under the standard period.
- Wage Requirements
To qualify, you must have:- Earned wages in at least two quarters of your base period.
- At least $1,000 in your highest quarter.
- Total base period wages equal to at least 1.25 times your highest quarter wages.
- Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA)
- Typically, your WBA is about 1/26th of your highest quarter’s wages.
- Minnesota caps the WBA at $856 per week (subject to change).
- Maximum Benefit Amount (MBA)
- This is the total amount you can receive over your claim.
- It’s the lesser of:
- 26 times your WBA, or
- One-third of your total wages in the base period.
- Duration
- Your benefits last up to 26 weeks, but could be shorter depending on your wage history.
How to Use the Minnesota Unemployment Calculator
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Enter Your Claim Start Date
Select the date you expect to begin your claim. This determines your base period. - Enter Your Wages
Fill in the wages you earned in each quarter of the base period. Use gross wages (before taxes). - Click Calculate
The tool instantly shows your:- Base period used
- Estimated weekly benefit
- Maximum total benefit
- Estimated duration
- Check Eligibility Results
If you don’t qualify with the standard base period, the tool may ask for wages from the quarter before and calculate eligibility with the alternate base period.
Example Calculation
Let’s say you earned:
- Quarter 1: $7,000
- Quarter 2: $7,500
- Quarter 3: $7,200
- Quarter 4: $7,800
Your highest quarter is $7,800.
- Weekly Benefit: $7,800 ÷ 26 = $300 (rounded down)
- Maximum Benefits: Lesser of $300 × 26 = $7,800 OR one-third of total wages.
Result: You’d qualify for $300 per week for about 26 weeks, totaling $7,800.
Why Use the Calculator Before Filing?
- Clarity: Understand whether you’re likely to qualify.
- Planning: Budget for living expenses while unemployed.
- Confidence: Reduce stress before starting the official DEED process.
Important Notes and Disclaimer
- The calculator is for estimation only.
- Minnesota DEED makes the final decision based on your filed claim.
- Benefit amounts change annually, so always check the latest official guidelines.
- Other factors, like separation reason or part-time work, may affect eligibility.
