How to Appeal Unemployment in Minnesota (DEED) – 45-Day Deadline, ULJ Hearing & Reconsideration

📊 What Does the UI Program Determine?

The UI Program issues determinations on different aspects of your claim. Understanding which type of determination you received helps you focus your appeal:

• Monetary Determination: Whether you earned enough wages during your base period to qualify financially for benefits (wage credits, benefit amount).

• Non-Monetary Determination: Whether you meet eligibility requirements based on how your employment ended, your availability for work, or other non-wage factors (misconduct, voluntary quit, availability).

• Overpayment Determination: Whether you were overpaid benefits and must repay them (separate appeal process).

• Mail Date: The date the UI Program mailed the determination—this is the date from which your 45-day appeal deadline is counted.

• Reason for Denial: A clear statement of why your benefits were denied (e.g., discharged for employment misconduct, quit without good reason caused by the employer, not available for suitable employment).

• Law References: Citations to the specific Minnesota Statutes (Minn. Stat. § 268.095 or § 268.085) sections that apply to your case.

• Factual Findings: A summary of the facts the UI Program used to make the determination, often based on information from your employer or your claim interview.

• Issue ID Number: A unique identification number for this specific determination.

• Appeal Instructions: Information about your right to appeal, the 45-day deadline, and how to file your appeal online, by mail, or by fax.

Employment Misconduct: You were fired for intentional, negligent, or indifferent conduct that clearly displays a serious violation of the standards of behavior the employer has the right to reasonably expect.

Quit Without Good Reason Caused by the Employer: You voluntarily left your job for reasons that Minnesota law does not consider attributable to the employer or caused by a good reason.

Not Available for Suitable Employment: You are not available for full-time work, not actively seeking work, or have restrictions that prevent you from accepting suitable employment.

Refused Suitable Employment: You turned down a job offer that the UI Program considered suitable based on your work history, qualifications, and labor market conditions.

Insufficient Wage Credits: You did not earn enough wages during your base period to qualify financially for unemployment benefits.

💡 Pro Tip: Read your Determination of Ineligibility carefully and identify exactly which statute is cited (e.g., Minn. Stat. § 268.095). This will help you understand what the UI Program must prove and what you need to disprove or explain in your appeal.

⏰ Start Date & Countdown

Your 45-calendar-day appeal deadline begins on the mail date printed on your Determination of Ineligibility—this is the date the UI Program mailed the determination, not the date you received it. The 45-day period includes weekends and holidays. Your appeal must be received by the UI Program (if in person), postmarked (if by mail), transmitted and received (if by fax), or submitted online within 45 days from the mail date. Minnesota offers one of the longest appeal deadlines in the United States, but don’t wait—file promptly to maximize your preparation time.

• Online (Recommended): Your appeal must be submitted through your UI account at uimn.org within 45 days of the mail date. This is the fastest and most reliable method.

• By Fax: Your appeal must be successfully transmitted by fax to 651-205-4007 and received by the UI Program within 45 days. Important: An appeal submitted by fax is not considered filed until it is actually received. Save your fax confirmation report.

• By Mail: Your appeal must be postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service on or before the 45th day. Use certified mail with return receipt to prove your postmark date.

• In Person: You can deliver your written appeal to the UI Program office in St. Paul within 45 days (rare, but allowed).

⚡ Quick Rule: Received vs. Postmarked

• Online: Submitted within 45 days

• Fax: Received within 45 days (an appeal submitted by fax is not considered filed until it is actually received)

• Mail: Postmarked within 45 days

• In-Person: Received within 45 days

• Late Appeal Consideration: If you file late, the ULJ may consider whether extraordinary circumstances beyond your control (e.g., serious illness with medical documentation, UI Program error with proof) prevented timely filing. The ULJ has discretion to evaluate whether your circumstances justify accepting a late appeal.

• Verify Deadline Language: Always verify the exact deadline language on your Determination of Ineligibility and check the official UI website at uimn.org for current rules and procedures.

💡 Important: Although Minnesota’s 45-day deadline is generous, don’t wait until the last day to file your appeal. Filing early ensures your hearing is scheduled promptly and gives you maximum time to prepare. Aim to file within 10-15 days of receiving your determination.

✅ Option A: File Online via uimn.org (Recommended)

Filing online through your UI account is the fastest, safest, and most reliable way to file your appeal within the 45-day deadline. The system provides instant confirmation of submission.

How to File Online:

1. Log In to Your Account: Go to uimn.org and log in with your username and password.
2. Navigate to “View and Maintain My Account”: On My Home Page, select View and Maintain My Account.
3. Click “Determination and Issue Summary”: Find the list of determinations you’ve received.
4. Select the Issue ID: Under the heading “Determination of Eligibility and Decisions,” click the Issue Identification Number of the determination that makes you ineligible.
5. Click “File”: This will submit your appeal request.
6. Save Confirmation: Save your confirmation receipt as proof of filing.

📠 Option B: File by Fax

You can fax your written appeal to the UI Program. Important: An appeal submitted by fax is not considered filed until it is actually received by the UI Program. Always save your fax confirmation report as proof of submission.

What to Include in Your Appeal (Fax or Mail):

1. Indicate Who is Filing the Appeal (your full name)
2. State the Reason for the Appeal (why you disagree with the determination)
3. Include the Issue ID (found on your determination)
4. Include Your SSN or Last 4 Digits (follow your Notice instructions)
5. Your Current Mailing Address and Phone Number
6. Your Signature and Date

Note: An appeal submitted by fax is not considered filed until it is actually received. Confirm your fax was successfully transmitted and save the confirmation report.

📮 Option C: File by Mail

You can mail your written appeal to the UI Program. Your appeal must be postmarked within 45 days of the mail date on your determination. Use certified mail with return receipt to prove your postmark date.

Where to Mail:

Note: Confirm the current mailing address on your Determination of Ineligibility or on the official UI website at uimn.org, as addresses may occasionally change.

⚠️ Reminder: Always keep proof of your appeal submission. If filing online, save your confirmation. If faxing, save your fax confirmation report (remember: an appeal submitted by fax is not considered filed until it is actually received). If mailing, use certified mail with return receipt.

• Date and Time of Your Hearing: Your hearing will be scheduled at a specific date and time (typically Central Time Zone).

• Phone Number for the Hearing: The ULJ will call you at the phone number listed on the Notice of Hearing. Make sure this number is correct and that you will be available.

• ULJ’s Contact Information: Name and contact information for the Unemployment Law Judge assigned to your case.

• Issues to Be Decided: The specific questions the ULJ will address (e.g., whether your discharge was for employment misconduct).

• Instructions: How to participate in the hearing, how to submit evidence, and how to request a different hearing date if necessary.

• Days 1-45: File your appeal within 45 calendar days of the mail date on your Determination of Ineligibility.

• Weeks 2-4: Receive Notice of Hearing and Appeal Hearing Guide. Your hearing is typically scheduled within a few weeks of filing your appeal.

• Hearing Day: You participate in your telephone hearing with the ULJ and the employer (if they appear).

💡 Pro Tip: Check your mail regularly and make sure the UI Program has your current address and phone number. Missing your Notice of Hearing or being unreachable at the scheduled hearing time can result in dismissal of your appeal. Update your contact information immediately through your online account at uimn.org if you move or change your phone number.

• Text Messages & Emails: Communications with your employer, supervisor, or HR about the incident or your separation.

• Pay Stubs & W-2s: Proof of employment, wages, and work dates.

• Performance Reviews: Evaluations showing satisfactory or excellent performance (especially helpful if you’re accused of poor performance or misconduct).

• Medical Records or Doctor’s Notes: If you quit or were fired due to health reasons, disability accommodation requests, or injury.

• Photos or Screenshots: Visual evidence of working conditions, safety hazards, harassment, or relevant documentation.

• Company Policies or Handbook: Written policies (especially if the employer claims you violated a policy you were never told about).

• Written Warnings or Disciplinary Records: If you received warnings, bring them. If you didn’t receive warnings, point that out.

• Witness Statements: Written, signed statements from coworkers or others with firsthand knowledge of the situation.

⚠️ Important: Submit your evidence before the hearing. You can mail or fax documents to the ULJ’s office (contact information is on your Notice of Hearing), or submit them through your online account. Submitting evidence in advance gives the ULJ and the employer time to review it, which strengthens your case.

• Notify the ULJ in Advance: Contact the ULJ’s office before the hearing to inform them that you will have witnesses and provide their names and phone numbers.

• Contact Witnesses in Advance: Confirm they are available and willing to participate in the telephone hearing.

• Prepare Them for Testimony: Explain what the hearing is about and what questions they might be asked.

• Provide Contact Information: Make sure witnesses know the hearing date, time, and that the ULJ will call them on a three-way call during the hearing.

• Keep Them Available: Witnesses should remain available by their phone during the hearing until the ULJ calls them to testify.

• Write an Outline: Before the hearing, write down the points you want to cover. Make a checklist of the facts you feel are important. Organize your story chronologically with dates, times, and names.

• Address the Reason for Denial: Specifically explain why the employer’s version of events is incorrect or incomplete, or why the UI Program’s determination was wrong.

• Stick to What You Know: Only testify about things you personally saw, heard, or did. Don’t speculate or guess.

• Write Down Questions: Write down any questions you want to ask your witnesses or the opposing side (your employer). Use your list to make sure you don’t forget anything.

• Be Honest: If you don’t know or don’t remember something, say so. Never lie or exaggerate—it will destroy your credibility.

💡 Resources for Legal Help: Contact Minnesota legal aid organizations such as Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid or Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services for free or low-cost legal assistance. You can also search for resources at LawHelpMN.org.

• Confirm Your Phone Number: The ULJ will call you at the phone number listed on your Notice of Hearing. Make sure this number is correct and that you will be available.

• Have All Documents Ready: Keep your Notice of Hearing, Appeal Hearing Guide, all evidence, and notes organized and within reach.

• Find a Quiet Location: Choose a private, quiet place free from background noise, interruptions, children, or pets.

• Request a Different Hearing Time (if needed): If you must request a different date or time for the hearing, notify the ULJ’s office as soon as possible. Do not simply fail to participate.

• Be Present and Ready: Be by your phone at the scheduled hearing time. Do not call the ULJ—the ULJ will call you. Minnesota is strict about punctuality. If you do not answer when the ULJ calls, the ULJ may dismiss your appeal.

1. Opening & Introduction: The ULJ will introduce themselves, confirm the identities of all parties, explain the hearing process, review the issues to be decided, and explain the order of testimony. The ULJ will then swear everyone in under oath.

2. Review of the Record: The ULJ will review the documents already in the record and identify any exhibits submitted by the parties.

3. Active Questioning by the ULJ: Minnesota ULJs take an active, inquisitorial role in the hearing. The ULJ will ask many questions to gather all relevant facts and ensure a complete record. This is different from some states where the judge is more passive. Be prepared to answer detailed questions from the ULJ.

4. Testimony: Each party will present their testimony and evidence. You and the employer may ask questions of each other and each other’s witnesses (cross-examination).

5. Witnesses: If you have witnesses, notify the ULJ at the beginning of the hearing. The ULJ will call them on a three-way call when it’s time for their testimony.

6. Closing Statements: Both parties may make a brief closing statement summarizing their case and why they believe they should prevail.

7. End of Hearing: The ULJ will close the record and explain when you can expect a written decision (often within a few weeks, though timelines vary depending on caseload).

✅ Be Punctual & Available: Be ready by your phone at the scheduled time. Answer immediately when the ULJ calls. Minnesota dismisses appeals for failure to participate.

✅ Answer Clearly & Directly: Listen carefully to each question and answer truthfully. Say “yes” or “no” rather than “uh-huh” or “mm-hmm.”

✅ Stay Calm & Professional: Remain respectful even if you disagree with the employer’s statements. Do not interrupt or argue.

✅ Tell the Truth: Honesty is essential. If you don’t know or don’t remember something, say so.

✅ Take Notes: Write down key points and questions you want to address when it’s your turn to speak or cross-examine.

✅ Respond to the ULJ’s Questions: The ULJ will ask many questions. Answer them fully and honestly—this is how the ULJ gathers the facts needed to make a decision.

✅ Address the ULJ Properly: Address the ULJ as “Judge” or “Unemployment Law Judge.”

⚠️ Warning: Minnesota is very strict about hearing participation. Make absolutely sure you are available by your phone at the scheduled hearing time. Set multiple alarms and reminders. Missing the ULJ’s call can result in dismissal of your appeal.

✅ What to Do Next: Continue requesting benefit payments weekly and looking for work. Follow all UI Program requirements to maintain eligibility.

• Deadline: You must file your Request for Reconsideration within 45 calendar days of the mail date of the ULJ’s Decision.

• Who Reviews It: The same ULJ who conducted your hearing will review your Request for Reconsideration. The ULJ is looking to see if they made an error in their decision.

• What to Request: Identify a specific error (e.g., “The ULJ found I was late 3 times, but the record shows I was only late once”; “The ULJ misapplied Minn. Stat. § 268.095 because…”). Be specific—don’t just say you disagree.

• What the ULJ Can Do: The ULJ may (1) modify the findings of fact and decision, (2) set aside the findings and conduct an additional hearing, or (3) affirm the original decision.

• New Evidence: The ULJ will generally not consider new evidence after a Request for Reconsideration unless it shows that something submitted at the hearing was false, or it is particularly important and you can show a good reason you did not submit it at the appeal hearing.

• How to File: Your ULJ decision will include instructions on how to file a Request for Reconsideration. You can file online through your UI account, by fax (an appeal submitted by fax is not considered filed until it is actually received), or by mail.

💡 Pro Tip: A Request for Reconsideration is typically most successful when you can point to a specific legal error the ULJ made (e.g., misapplying the law, ignoring key evidence, or making a factual finding not supported by the record). If you remain unemployed, continue to request benefit payments every week while the Request for Reconsideration is pending.

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