Individuals and Families Updates – April 2025
Implementation Update
Minnesota will be the 13th state to launch a statewide Paid Leave program. We’re committed to collaborating with stakeholders to build an intuitive and accessible Paid Leave program that works for all Minnesotans.
Newsletter Update
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Beginning this month, Paid Leave will send versions of our monthly newsletter to better meet the needs of different audiences, starting with one for employers and one for individuals.
You are receiving this version of the newsletter because you signed up as interested in information for individuals and families, or because you signed up at an event focused on this audience.
Need to review, change, or update subscriptions? Follow the link below.
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Applications now open for Public Outreach Grants
To support Paid Leave outreach, the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is offering a competitive funding opportunity. These grant funds are focused on ensuring that employees, employers, and self-employed individuals—especially those facing barriers to access—understand and access Paid Leave benefits.
This competitive funding opportunity is for eligible community-based groups with experience in outreach, education, and/or technical assistance, for the purpose of raising awareness and improving access for Minnesotans who are seeking Paid Leave.
Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. Central Time, on Friday, May 30, 2025.
Earlier this month, we hosted a webinar to help interested organizations understand and navigate the application process. Couldn’t catch the webinar? Visit our website to find the presentation slides and recording.
Help review Outreach Grants!
DEED is seeking community members and state employees to serve as reviewers for Paid Leave Public Outreach Grants. Reviewers will help score proposals that support outreach, education, and technical assistance about Paid Leave.
Selected reviewers must complete a short virtual training and commit to reviewing approximately 8-10 proposals between June 16-27, 2025.
Apply by Wednesday, May 21, 2025!
Share your experience to help build Paid Leave!
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Have you recently taken, or are you planning to take, paid or unpaid leave from work? We’d love to hear from you! Join a short virtual interview in the next two months through Microsoft Teams. Participants may receive a virtual gift card from our application development partner. |
Upcoming webinars: learn more about Paid Leave!
Paid Leave hosts a regular monthly webinar series to help Minnesotans understand how Paid Leave will work and how it may benefit you or your organization. Paid Leave also hosts webinars on specific topics, like one last month on employer accounts and responsibilities under Paid Leave.
Can’t make it to a webinar? Recordings from past events are available on our website: Public engagement events / Minnesota Paid Leave
Hiring Spotlight
The Minnesota Paid Leave team is growing fast. We are a start-up in state government and are actively hiring for leaders to deliver on the promises of the legislation. Consider joining our team!
The Paid Leave team at the People of Color Career Fair this month.
Missed us at the job fair? You can always find our latest open roles on our website.
Top Questions We're Hearing
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When can people start applying for and taking Paid Leave?
Minnesotans will be able to take leave under the program starting on January 1, 2026.
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Who pays a person on Paid Leave?
Paid Leave benefits are paid by the State of Minnesota.
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How much leave will be available?
In one benefit year, eligible individuals can take up to 12 weeks of family leave or 12 weeks of medical leave. If someone qualifies for both medical and family leave, they can take up to 20 weeks of total leave in one benefit year. A benefit year is the 12-month period that starts when someone first takes Paid Leave.
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How long does a qualifying condition need to last for intermittent leave?
Qualifying conditions for Paid Leave must last at least seven days, but leave does not have to be taken for seven continuous days. For example, someone with chronic migraines does not have to take leave for seven days in a row. They may be eligible to take leave intermittently, as needed, for this long-term condition.
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Do employees need to continue to pay their portion of the health insurance premium?
Yes, employees must pay their portion of the health insurance premium while out on leave.
For More Information
You can find more information for employers, individuals, and families on our webpage here.
For more information on UI and Paid Leave employer accounts, visit the Unemployment Insurance website.
Still Have Questions?
If you have a Paid Leave question that isn’t yet answered on our website, please submit your question here.
If you need help with your Paid Leave Only or Joint UI/Paid Leave account, contact the Unemployment Insurance employer helpline.
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