Telecommute and Unemployment in Minnesota

Telecommute and Unemployment
Telecommute and Unemployment

Telecommute and unemployment in Minnesota is a new concept and  undeveloped from a case law perspective.  In Minnesota, a person who telecommutes has the same rights as a worker in an office.

Thus, do not fear if you thought your role as a telecommuter affected your unemployment rights for MN.

Telecommute and Unemployment in Minnesota Laws

First, Minnesota unemployment laws do not define who is or who is not considered a telecommuter.  Instead, the legal issue that impacts most telecommuters stems from wages and hours.

In other words, there isn’t a specific law exclusive to workers who telecommuted and are seeking unemployment benefits.  A person who was classified as a remote worker or a telecommuter should review their eligibility as if their classification was not important.

On the other hand, if you were discharged from your job because of an issue specific to your classification as a telecommuter, then this is where the game will change.  Being discharged because you were a telecommuter versus being discharged for an incident specific to your classification are two different issues.

Can you collect unemployment in Minnesota after being a telecommuter?

Telecommute Unemployment in MN
Telecommute Unemployment in MN

Absolutely – the fact you were a telecommuter does not automatically make you ineligible for unemployment benefits.

Likewise, the fact you were a telecommuter does not automatically make you eligible for unemployment benefits either.

What problems might you face if you combine Telecommute and unemployment in Minnesota?

The biggest problem this law office sees with workers trying to collect unemployment benefits after they telecommuted is reviewing which state they are eligible for benefits.

This law office represents applicants exclusive to Minnesota.  That said, sometimes DEED tries to persuade or push applicants to another State.  This isn’t necessarily always correct.

First, Minnesota law says a person who applies for unemployment benefits in a different state is automatically ineligible for unemployment in Minnesota.  Second, benefits in Minnesota are likely higher than any other state.

If you need help with your claim, please contact an unemployment lawyer for help.