Workforce Resources
Dislocated Worker Program
The Dislocated Worker program can help people who have lost their job through no fault of their own return to work. Eligible people may qualify for the individual career planning and counseling, connection with employers who are hiring now, connection to education resources, and more. Visit CareerForceMN.com/dislocated-worker to learn more.
Jobs in Demand During COVID-19
Many employers are hiring right now during the COVID-19 pandemic—and they want to connect with people looking for work right away. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development has created a resource that provides information about the top 30 jobs in demand now in Minnesota and wage range information for each of those jobs, along with a link to additional information about wages, educational requirements, daily tasks, a short video and more for each job.
Career Labs
In partnership with the City of Saint Paul, Ramsey County has launched six new community Career Labs to support COVID-19 job seekers. Career Labs provide services for COVID-19 impacted job seekers by reservation. All sites accord with Public Health guidelines for COVID-19. Learn more at ramseycounty.us/careerlabs and call 651-793-1699 to make a reservation today.
Unemployment Benefits
If you are unemployed or have your hours reduced, please apply for unemployment benefits by going online to www.uimn.org. Please use the www.uimn.org website to submit your application, because this is the most efficient way to serve applicants. The website can accept applications Monday - Friday 6 a.m. through 8 p.m. We are working to add Sunday hours.
Health Insurance
- MNsure Health Insurance. You may qualify for MNsure's special enrollment period (SEP) if you lost or will lose "minimum essential coverage" because of any of the following:
- You or your dependent loses employer-sponsored coverage (includes end of continuation coverage such as COBRA and retiree coverage)
- There’s been a change to a dependent’s status, such as turning 26 years old and losing coverage through a parent’s plan
- An employer ends your coverage
- You or your spouse lose employer-sponsored coverage when you lose or leave a job
- You've reached the end of your non-calendar year plan
- You lose coverage in Medical Assistance (MA) or MinnesotaCare
- You lose other government-sponsored coverage such as most types of TRICARE
- Community Health Centers. If you don’t have a health care provider or are uninsured, contact a federally qualified Community Health Center.
Transportation
- Unemployment insurance is now accepted as certification by Metro Transit's Transit Assistance Program (TAP). The Transit Assistance Program (TAP) provides a reduced fare pass on a Go-To Card for low-income residents. It allows customers to use a bus or train for just $1 per ride – even during rush hour – with a 2½ hour transfer.
- Minnesotans who lost their driver’s license or ID card, or had it stolen, can now apply for a duplicate card while Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services (DPS-DVS) exam stations are closed. There are two options:
- Deputy registrar and driver’s license agent offices can accept duplicate driver’s license and ID card applications that do not require a photo at their office. No face-to-face transactions are available, so offices are offering this in a way where you do not physically enter the building.
- If a local office isn’t offering this service, DPS-DVS can send a photo receipt and letter to serve as a temporary replacement for a lost driver’s license or ID card while exam stations are closed to Minnesotans who submit the request.
- More information, including instructions, is on the DVS COVID-19 FAQ webpage.
Additional Resources
- Looking for online training to build your career skills? Sign up for a Saint Paul Public Library e-card and access free, online business, design, and tech courses through Lynda.com at sppl.org/staying-in.
- Call Saint Paul Public Library's Open Lab line at Call 651-212-5390 to get one-to-one technology help, including assistance with emailing, internet, computer programs like Word, PowerPoint, and Google docs, and more.
- The Twin Cities Hospitality and Events Workers’ Relief Fund supports workers who have lost income due to business closures and event cancellations related to the COVID-19 outbreak. Learn more at https://www.twincitieshospitalityfund.org/.