If you find yourself facing a situation that will likely force you to miss work and thus lose wages, or an expected termination that will deny wages altogether, the situation may seem dire. Rest assured, the state of Minnesota has enacted a number of programs that can help you get through these tough times. Employment in Minnesota affords benefits for unemployment, worker's compensation, and medical-related leaves that will help ensure you can continue paying you're rent or mortgage. So whether you've been laid off, hurt in an accident or contracted a severe sickness, you'll be at least partially covered.
Employees who are terminated through no fault of their own are generally entitled to unemployment benefits. Those with good cause to leave their employer, such as if the employer is involved in illegal activities, can also quality for unemployment.
Employment in Minnesota of at least year is required for eligibility, and there's also a minimum amount you must have earned to apply. Unemployment benefits are scaled to your income, though they are always only a part of your previous salary. In order to continue receiving benefits, you must register with the Minnesota unemployment office and be continually looking for work.
For people who are injured on the job, worker's compensation can minimize the damage caused by lost wages due to missing work. After an accident at work, worker's compensation will generally cover all of the medical bills, and additionally provide the worker with a percentage of his wages going forward. The amount of worker's compensation provided is based upon the severity of the injury – workers who suffer a permanent disability are entitled to more benefits, for longer. In the case of an accident resulting in death, the immediate family may be entitled to compensation and some coverage of burial expenses.
Sometimes, an illness or non-work related accident can put you in the hospital and out of work for a time. Alternately, if a family member is sick or injured, you may need to take time away from work to care for them. Those with employment in Minnesota are allowed to take up to 12 weeks away from work to take care of these issues. While this time is unpaid, the employer cannot terminate the employee and must hold the same position for the employee when he or she returns.