Individuals and Families Updates – May 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.
Web updates and video series
This month, Paid Leave published new content for individuals and families on our website. These updates include more answers to common questions, explanations on eligibility and benefits, and additional guidance to help Minnesotans get ready for Paid Leave when it arrives on January 1, 2026.
These updates also include the first in a series of short videos that will cover key topics about the Paid Leave program including eligibility, payments, premiums and more.
The first video covers the basics of the program, watch it here!
To see all the new updates, visit our website.
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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!
Top Questions We're Hearing
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I work in more than one state or remotely, would I be covered under Paid Leave?
It depends on where your work is performed. You are covered by Paid Leave if you work at least 50 percent of the time from a location in Minnesota. This includes employees who work from home in Minnesota or spend some time working in other states. However, you are not covered by Paid Leave if you work more than 50 percent of your time in a different state.
If you do not work at least 50 percent of the time in any single state – for example, if you split your time equally between Minnesota and two other states – you are covered if you live in Minnesota.
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Is there a waiting period before Paid Leave begins?
No, there is no waiting period for Paid Leave payments. Unlike some other programs where you must take the first week off without pay, Minnesota Paid Leave is designed to pay you from the start of your leave. Once your leave is approved, you will be paid for each week you are on leave.
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Can I take leave at different times in the same year for multiple qualifying events?
Yes, you can take leave for more than one reason.
Remember, you cannot exceed 12 weeks for either medical or family leave, or more than 20 weeks combined in a benefit year.
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If I welcome a child in fall 2025, am I eligible for Paid Leave in 2026?
Yes, you can take bonding leave in 2026, as long as the leave is completed within 12 months of the child’s birth, adoption, or foster placement. This means that parents who welcome a child in 2025 may each take up to 12 weeks of bonding leave in 2026.
For example, parents who welcome a child on June 1, 2025, would have between January 1, 2026 and June 1, 2026 to take up to 12 weeks each of bonding leave. Parents who welcome a child on March 1, 2025 would need to take their leave between January 1, 2026 and March 1, 2026. This means they would have time to take up to 8 weeks of bonding leave each.
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Who qualifies as a family member for family leave?
Under Paid Leave, a family member can include: a spouse or partner; a child (including biological, adopted, step, or foster children, or a child you raise even if you are not legally related); a parent or person who raised you; a sibling; a grandchild or grandparent; in-laws (including son, daughter, father, or mother); or anyone close to you who depends on you like family, even if not related by blood.
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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