Minnesota Layoff Resources
If you have been laid off in Minnesota, these resources can help you apply for unemployment, understand layoff-notice protections, find health coverage, seek financial assistance, locate workforce services, and get reliable information about possible workplace problems.
Eligibility requirements vary by program. Use the links below to check current rules and apply through the responsible agency.
Unemployment Benefits and Filing
Minnesota Unemployment Insurance may provide temporary income if you lost work through no fault of your own. Request a benefit payment for every week you want benefits, even while an application or appeal is pending. You must actively look for suitable work each week unless an approved exception applies, and report all hours and earnings for the week the work was performed.
- Minnesota unemployment information
- Apply for unemployment benefits
- Request benefit payments
- Minnesota work-search requirements
- Unemployment assistance: 651-296-3644 or 877-898-9090
Layoff-Notice Protections
Minnesota has an Early Warning System statute in addition to federal WARN. It encourages employers considering a plant closing, substantial layoff, or relocation to give early notice, and employers providing WARN notice must give the state information about affected workers. The state system does not replace federal WARN or automatically create the same notice rights.
- Minnesota layoff and business-closure resources
- Minnesota Early Warning System statute
- Federal WARN Act
Health-Insurance Coverage
Losing job-based insurance usually creates a special enrollment opportunity. Compare MNsure coverage, Medical Assistance, and COBRA before choosing.
Food, Cash, Childcare, Utility, and Local Assistance
MNbenefits handles SNAP, cash assistance, emergency assistance, childcare assistance, and certain other programs. Medical Assistance generally uses MNsure or a county or tribal agency. Energy Assistance is administered through local providers. For local food, housing, utility, and emergency help, use Minnesota 211.
- MNbenefits
- Minnesota Child Care Assistance Program
- Minnesota Energy Assistance Program
- Minnesota 211
- Dial 211, call 800-543-7709, or text your ZIP code to 898211
- Minnesota Housing
Workforce and Reemployment Services
CareerForce locations provide no-cost employment and training services, including résumé help, career guidance, veteran services, computer access, and information about training assistance. The Dislocated Worker Program may provide additional help after a layoff.
Workplace Problems and Legal Help
Minnesota Labor and Industry handles certain unpaid-wage and wage-law complaints. Employment-discrimination complaints under the Minnesota Human Rights Act generally must be reported to the Minnesota Department of Human Rights within one year. Federal requirements may differ.
Civil legal help
Last reviewed: August 2026