The state of Minnesota is directing employees who have been laid off or had their hours reduced as a result of COVID-19 to apply for unemployment insurance.  

For Employees

The Governor recently signed an executive order increasing the accessibility and flexibility of unemployment insurance for employees – including ensuring that payments can start immediatly. If you have had any disruption in pay as a result of COVID-19, you are encouraged to get more information and apply here: https://www.uimn.org/applicants/needtoknow/news-updates/covid-19.jsp

For Employers

Unemployment insurance has a “Shared Work” program that Employers can take advantage of to divide work among a group of employees that will work reduced hours during a temporary slowdown. They are paid unemployment benefits to offset part of their reduced wages. This help you retain those employees vs. laying them off.

In addition, Govenror Walz has announced that employers paying unemployment insurance taxes will not see a rate increase if their workers collect unemployment benefits as a result of COVID-19. Employers can get more info here: https://www.uimn.org/employers/employer-account/news-updates/covid-19.jsp