Minnesota Paid Family & Medical Leave
Effective January 1, 2026
Minnesota’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program provides up to 20 weeks of paid leave per year with partial wage replacement (55%–90%, up to $1,423 weekly) and job protection. It covers nearly all Minnesota workers, regardless of employer size or employment type.
Leave Types
Medical Leave: Care for your own serious health condition, including pregnancy and recovery.
Family Leave:
Bonding Leave – Care for a new child (birth, adoption, or foster).
Caring Leave – Care for a family member with a serious health condition.
Military Family Leave – Support a family member called to active duty.
Safety Leave – Address issues related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
Conditions must generally last more than 7 days and be certified by a healthcare provider.
Who’s Covered
Most Minnesota workers are covered, regardless of hours or employer size.
Independent contractors and self-employed individuals may opt in.
To qualify, an employee must have earned at least $3,900 in the past year for work performed in Minnesota.
Duration & Pay
Up to 12 weeks for family or medical leave;
up to 20 total weeks if both types are used in the same year.
Pay replaces up to 90% of wages depending on income.
Maximum weekly benefit: $1,423 (2026 amount).
Funding & Premiums
The PFML program is funded through employer and employee premiums:
Total premium: 0.88% of wages (0.66% for small employers)
Split: Employer must pay at least 50% of the premium; may cover more.
Applies to wages up to the Social Security cap ($176,100 in 2026).
Employee Protections
Job Protection: Return to your same or equivalent position after leave (after 90 days of employment).
Health Coverage: Employers must maintain their share of health insurance premiums.
No Retaliation: It’s illegal for employers to retaliate against or interfere with employees using PFML.
Employer Action Steps & Deadlines
Due December 1, 2025
Hang the Required Poster
Display the official Paid Leave Poster in English and any language spoken by 5+ employees at each worksite.
Send Individual Employee Notices
Provide the written Paid Leave Notice to every employee (template provided by DEED).
Notices must be in the employee’s primary language and include acknowledgment of receipt.
By January 1, 2026
Set up employer accounts at uimn.org and paidleave.mn.gov.
Determine whether you’ll use the state plan or apply for an approved private plan.
How to Apply for Paid Leave
Notify your employer about your leave.
Apply with Paid Leave at paidleave.mn.gov or by phone at 651-556-7777 or 844-556-0444.
You’ll receive a determination letter with approval status and payment details.
Key Contacts
Paid Leave Contact Center
📞 651-556-7777 or 844-556-0444
🏢 180 E 5th St, Suite 1200, St. Paul, MN 55101
Labor Standards Division (for retaliation or job protection issues)
📧 dli.laborstandards@state.mn.us
📞 651-284-5075
