The maximum weekly unemployment benefit in Minnesota is $948 in 2026 — here’s exactly how it’s calculated, who qualifies for the max, and how long you can collect.
⚡ Quick Answer
The maximum unemployment benefit in Minnesota is $948 per week in 2026.
Your actual payment equals 50% of your average weekly wage
during your base period, up to that cap. The minimum WBA is $33/week.
Benefits last up to 26 weeks, with a maximum total payout of $24,648 if you qualify for the max. The average WBA in Minnesota is approximately $550–$600 per week.
1. What Is the Maximum Weekly Benefit in Minnesota?
The maximum unemployment benefit in Minnesota is $948 per week as of 2026, according to the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program (administered by DEED). This is the highest amount any single claimant can receive per week, regardless of how high their previous earnings were.
The minimum weekly benefit amount is $33. Most claimants land somewhere in between, because Minnesota calculates your weekly benefit amount (WBA) as approximately 50% of your average weekly wage during a 12-month earnings window called the “base period.”
📌 Key Numbers (2026)
- Maximum weekly benefit: $948
- Minimum weekly benefit: $33
- Replacement rate: ~50% of average weekly wage (effective rate is lower for high earners due to the cap)
- Maximum duration: 26 weeks
- Maximum total benefits: $24,648 (if you receive the max for 26 weeks)
- Average WBA in Minnesota: approximately $550–$600
2. Minnesota Maximum Benefit History (2024–2026)
Minnesota adjusts its maximum weekly benefit amount each year based on changes in the state’s average weekly wage. Here’s how the cap has evolved:
| Year | Minimum WBA | Maximum WBA | Change vs. Prior Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $28 | $890 | — |
| 2025 | $33 | $914 | +$24 (+2.7%) |
| 2026 | $33 | $948 | +$34 (+3.7%) |
The 2026 increase reflects continued growth in Minnesota’s statewide average weekly wage. DEED typically announces the new cap in the second half of the year, with new amounts applying to claims filed on or after the effective date.
3. How Your Benefit Amount Is Calculated
Minnesota uses a straightforward formula to determine your weekly benefit amount. The official method per DEED is:
Step 1: Find your highest-earning quarter
DEED looks at your highest-earning quarter in your base period (the four calendar quarters used to calculate your benefit account).
Step 2: Divide by 13 to get your average weekly wage
Divide your highest-quarter wages by 13 (the number of weeks in a quarter). The result is your average weekly wage during that quarter.
Step 3: Apply the 50% replacement rate
Your WBA equals approximately 50% of that average weekly wage, capped at the state maximum of $948.
💡 Quick Math Example
If your highest quarter earnings were $15,000:
→ Average weekly wage = $15,000 ÷ 13 = $1,154
→ Weekly benefit = 50% × $1,154 = $577/week
Mathematically, this is equivalent to dividing your highest-quarter wages by 26. Both methods produce the same WBA.
To hit the $948 maximum, you need an average weekly wage of about $1,896 or more — equivalent to earning roughly $24,650 in your highest quarter (about $98,500/year).
4. Understanding the Base Period
The base period is the 12-month window of work history Minnesota uses to calculate your benefits. There are two options:
Standard base period: The first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you filed.
Alternate base period: The 4 most recently completed calendar quarters. Minnesota will automatically use this one if it gives you a higher benefit.
📌 Why this matters
If you’ve recently had a raise or returned to work after a gap, the alternate base period usually produces a higher WBA. DEED checks both automatically — you don’t need to request it.
5. Who Qualifies for the $948 Maximum?
To receive the full $948/week, you’ll typically need to have earned around $98,500+ annually (roughly $24,650 in your highest base-period quarter). This puts the maximum out of reach for most claimants.
You also have to meet basic eligibility requirements:
- Lost your job through no fault of your own (laid off, reduced hours, business closure)
- Earned at least the minimum required wages during your base period (Minnesota requires sufficient wages to establish a benefit account — typically a few thousand dollars across at least two quarters)
- Are able and available to work
- Actively searching for work each week
- Authorized to work in the U.S.
For full eligibility details, see our eligibility guide for Minnesota unemployment.
6. What’s the Average Minnesota Unemployment Benefit?
While the maximum is $948, most Minnesota claimants receive less. The average WBA in Minnesota is approximately $550–$600 per week, reflecting average earnings around $1,100–$1,200 per week before unemployment.
At the average WBA of $575/week, a claimant collecting for the full 26 weeks would receive approximately $14,950 in total benefits — about 61% of what a maximum-benefit claimant receives.
💰 Monthly Breakdown
- Minimum WBA ($33/week): ~$143/month
- Average WBA (~$575/week): ~$2,492/month
- Maximum WBA ($948/week): ~$4,108/month
7. How Long You Can Collect Benefits
Minnesota pays unemployment benefits for up to 26 weeks within a 52-week benefit year. You can collect the full 26 weeks consecutively or spread them out — for example, if you find part-time work and stop claiming for several weeks, you can resume claiming the remaining weeks later.
Your maximum benefit amount (the total available across the benefit year) is the lesser of:
- 26 × your weekly benefit amount, or
- Approximately 33⅓% of your total base period wages
During periods of high statewide unemployment, Extended Benefits (EB) may add up to 13 additional weeks — but EB is not currently active in Minnesota in 2026.
8. What Can Reduce Your Weekly Benefit
Several types of income reduce your WBA. The rules vary by income type — here are the exact deduction percentages per DEED:
- Part-time earnings: You are not eligible for benefits in any week you work 32+ hours or earn equal to/more than your WBA. If you work fewer than 32 hours and earn less than your WBA, you may receive a partial benefit payment based on the DEED formula.
- Holiday pay: 50% is deducted from your weekly benefit during the week of the holiday.
- Vacation/PTO pay (temporary layoffs): 100% deducted. (Permanent separations: not deducted.)
- Severance pay or wages in lieu of notice: You’re ineligible for the number of weeks the severance represents at your regular pay rate.
- Pensions from a base-period employer: Monthly pension reduces your WBA dollar-for-dollar. Example: a $433/month pension = $100/week reduction.
- Workers’ Compensation: 100% deducted.
- Back pay: 100% deductible if for a period you received UI benefits.
- Social Security: Does NOT reduce UI benefits in Minnesota.
⏰ Always Report Earnings Weekly
Failing to report part-time wages or other income when you certify is considered UI fraud in Minnesota and can result in repayment, penalties up to 40% of the overpaid amount, interest charges, disqualification from future benefits, and in some cases criminal prosecution.
9. Real-World Examples
Scenario 1: Mid-wage worker
Situation: Lisa earned $52,000/year working in retail management. Her highest base-period quarter was $13,500.
Calculation: $13,500 ÷ 13 = $1,038/week average → 50% = $519/week WBA
Effective replacement rate: 50% (under the cap)
Total potential benefits: $519 × 26 weeks = $13,494
Scenario 2: High-wage tech worker
Situation: Marcus earned $120,000/year as a software engineer. His highest quarter was $30,000.
Calculation: $30,000 ÷ 13 = $2,308/week average → 50% would be $1,154 → capped at $948/week (the max)
Effective replacement rate: 41% ($948 / $2,308 — the cap brings high earners below the nominal 50%)
Total potential benefits: $948 × 26 weeks = $24,648
Scenario 3: Part-time worker
Situation: Janelle worked part-time, earning $18,000/year. Her highest quarter was $5,000.
Calculation: $5,000 ÷ 13 = $385/week average → 50% = $192/week WBA
Effective replacement rate: 50% (under the cap)
Total potential benefits: $192 × 26 weeks = $4,992
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Is $948 the maximum weekly amount for everyone in Minnesota?
No — $948 is the cap, but most claimants receive less. Your actual amount is 50% of your average weekly wage during the base period. To hit the $948 max, you’d need to have earned roughly $98,500+ per year before unemployment. The average WBA in Minnesota is closer to $550–$600 per week.
How much is unemployment in Minnesota per month?
Monthly unemployment in Minnesota ranges from approximately $143 (minimum $33/week) to $4,108 (maximum $948/week). The average claimant receives about $2,492 per month. Multiply your weekly benefit amount by 4.33 to estimate your monthly total.
How long can I collect unemployment in Minnesota?
Up to 26 weeks within a 52-week benefit year. Extended Benefits (EB) of up to 13 additional weeks may be available during periods of high statewide unemployment, but EB is not currently active in Minnesota in 2026.
How is my weekly benefit amount calculated?
Minnesota takes the wages from your highest-earning quarter in your base period, divides by 13 to get your average weekly wage, then pays you about 50% of that — up to the $948 maximum. Mathematically, this is the same as dividing your highest-quarter wages by 26.
Will the maximum benefit increase in 2026 or 2027?
Minnesota adjusts its maximum WBA annually based on the state’s average weekly wage. The 2026 cap rose to $948 (from $914 in 2025, $890 in 2024). DEED typically announces the next year’s cap in the second half of the year.
Are my unemployment benefits taxable in Minnesota?
Yes. Unemployment benefits are taxable as income at both the federal and Minnesota state level. When you apply, DEED gives you three withholding options: 15% (both federal and state combined), 10% (federal only), or no withholding. You can change your election later through your online account.
Can I work part-time and still receive unemployment in Minnesota?
Yes — but only if you work fewer than 32 hours in the week AND your gross earnings are less than your WBA. If either condition is exceeded, you receive no benefit that week. When eligible for a partial payment, DEED applies its formula to reduce your WBA based on your reported earnings. You must report all hours and gross earnings every week.
Can I get unemployment for 26 weeks twice in Minnesota?
Not within the same 52-week benefit year. Once you exhaust your 26 weeks (or reach your maximum benefit amount, whichever comes first), you must wait until your benefit year ends. You can file a new claim after that, but you’ll need to have earned enough new wages in your new base period to re-qualify.
What if my benefit amount seems too low?
You can request a redetermination within 20 calendar days of receiving your Determination of Benefit Account. If wages from any base-period employer are missing or wrong, contact DEED with proof (pay stubs, W-2s) to have them corrected. Always check that your alternate base period was considered.
Does receiving Social Security reduce my Minnesota unemployment?
No. Minnesota repealed the Social Security offset rule, so Social Security retirement benefits, SSI, and survivor/dependent benefits do NOT reduce your UI weekly benefit amount.
Need Help with Another State?
We have updated 2026 unemployment guides for all 50 states — eligibility, max benefits, how to apply, and appeals.
📚 Sources
- Minnesota Unemployment Insurance — Information Handbook (After You Apply). uimn.org/applicants/howapply/info-handbook/after-you-apply.jsp
- Minnesota Unemployment Insurance — How Working Affects Benefits. uimn.org/applicants/howapply/info-handbook/working-affects-benefits
- Minnesota Unemployment Insurance — Other Income & Deductions. uimn.org/applicants/affectsbenefits/other-income
- Minnesota Unemployment Insurance — Year End Tax Information. mn.gov/uimn/applicants/needtoknow/year-end-tax
- Minnesota Statutes 268.07 — Weekly unemployment benefit amount. revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/268.07
- Equifax — 2026 Unemployment Weekly Benefit Amount Tables.