 Paid Leave Updates - April 2024
Wage Detail Reporting Questions and Answers
Starting in July, most employers will be able to submit quarterly wage detail reports to the Paid Leave program. To help employers prepare, we’ve assembled a list of frequently asked questions about the process and timeline.
What is wage detail reporting and why is it necessary for Paid Leave?
Every quarter, employers across the state are required to submit a report to the state that details wages paid to their employees. This report is important because it provides the state with administrative data that helps support programs, complete labor market analyses, and comply with reporting requirements.
Paid Leave needs this information to support administration of the program in two important ways: (1) when premiums are due, they will be based on a percentage of wages paid to employees and (2) when benefits start, we’ll use wage detail to establish eligibility for the program and determine the benefit amount.
How will employers submit wage detail reports for Paid Leave?
The Paid Leave division will leverage the existing Unemployment Insurance (UI) UI Online system to collect wage detail reports for the program. If an employer is covered by the UI program, they will be able to submit a single wage detail file for both programs when they pay their UI taxes. The data used in the UI filing will be used to report wages directly to the Paid Leave program.
If an employer is not covered by the Unemployment Insurance program, they will need to set up a “Paid Leave Only” account. This account will be available in the Spring.
My organization is covered by the Unemployment Insurance program, what do I need to do?
Nothing! Your UI employer account will be automatically converted into a joint UI/Paid Leave to allow you to submit your wage detail report using the same process you use today.
My organization is not covered by the Unemployment Insurance program, what do I need to do?
During summer 2024, you will need to register for a Paid Leave Only account through the UI Online system. We will post instructions on our website as soon as Paid Leave Only accounts are available.
When are the first wage detail reports due?
The first wage detail reports will be due on October 31, 2024, and will be based on wages paid between July 1, 2024, and September 30, 2024.
Do employers need to pay premiums for the Paid Leave program when submitting wage detail reports?
No, premiums do not need to be paid until after the Paid Leave program launches in 2026. The initial wage detail reports are for informational purposes only.
The first premiums for Paid Leave will not be due until April 30, 2026, and those initial premiums will only apply to wages earned between January 1, 2026, and March 31, 2026.
What information will employers need to include on a wage detail report?
Employers will need to provide the first and last name, social security number, wages paid and hours worked for each employee. This is identical to information provided to the Unemployment Insurance division.
There is more information on wage detail reporting at: Updated pages to submit and adjust wage detail information / Employers - Unemployment Insurance Minnesota (uimn.org)
Hiring Spotlight
Consider joining our team! We are a start-up in state government and are actively hiring for leaders to deliver on the promises of the legislation. The Chief Administrative Officer will report to the Division Director and will be responsible for establishing, leading, and continuously improving administrative, project management, and learning initiatives within the Division, involving partners from across the state.
Rulemaking
As part of the rollout of the program, the Paid Leave division will be conducting rulemaking. The legislature often directs state offices to propose rules to implement the statutes they are responsible for. Rules provide clarity and uniformity to fill in details that were not put directly in the statutes.
To that end, the Paid Leave division is seeking comments related to private plan exemptions, safety leave certification, medical leave certification, and more. You can submit comments through the Office of Administrative Hearings website.
For More Information
You can find FAQs for employers, individuals, and families on our webpage here.
Still Have Questions?
If you have a Paid Leave question that isn’t yet answered on our website, please submit your question here.
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