Minnesota Paid Family Leave

Starting January 1, 2026, Minnesota Paid Leave will begin providing paid family and medical leave benefits for eligible workers in Minnesota. (mn.gov // Minnesota's State Portal)

Types of Leave & Maximum Weeks

Minnesota’s Paid Leave program will provide:

• Medical Leave: Up to 12 weeks per benefit year (for an employee’s own serious health condition, including care related to pregnancy, childbirth, and recovery).
• Family Leave: Up to 12 weeks per benefit year (for bonding with a new child, caring for a family member with a serious health condition, certain military-related events, safety leave, etc.).
• Employees may take a combined maximum of 20 weeks in one benefit year if they qualify for both medical and family leave. (mn.gov // Minnesota's State Portal)

Who Is Covered

Most workers in Minnesota are covered regardless of their employer’s size.  

Job Protection

Paid leave includes job protection once an employee has worked at their job for at least 90 days. Employers must restore the employee to their job or an equivalent position after the leave ends. 

Wage Replacement (Payments)

Paid Leave provides partial wage replacement based on prior earnings, generally up to 90 % of wages depending on income level, with a maximum weekly benefit tied to the state’s average weekly wage (for 2026, this amount is set at roughly $1,423). (mn.gov // Minnesota's State Portal)

Eligibility Requirements

Coverage and eligibility generally depend on:

• Work performed in Minnesota (most employees are covered).
• Having earned wages in Minnesota over a certain threshold in the last year.
• A qualifying life event (serious health condition, bonding with a new child, etc.).
• Certification from a healthcare or service provider for the leave event. 

Program Funding & Premiums

Minnesota Paid Leave is funded through payroll premiums:

• The premium rate is 0.88% of the employee’s wage, up to the Social Security cap of $176,100. 
• The contribution is split as follows:
• Employee share: 0.44%
• Employer share: 0.44%
• Deductions begin January 1, 2026.
• First premium payments to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) are due April 30, 2026 (for wages paid January 1‒March 31, 2026). (mn.gov // Minnesota's State Portal)

Where to Find More Official Info

Everything about Minnesota Paid Leave, including eligibility details, employer responsibilities, forms, and contact info, is listed on the official Minnesota Paid Leave website
👉 mn.gov/deed/paidleave