 Paid Leave updates for individuals and families
June 2025
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.
New legislation and rulemaking
The Minnesota Legislature held a special session this month to pass a new state budget. While there were many proposals related to Paid Leave discussed this year, the only change that passed into law was a new maximum premium rate. This change impacts the maximum premium possible under the law, but does not change the first year premium rate.
The premium rate for 2026 remains 0.88% of wages. Learn more about this rate and calculate costs using our online calculator:
Also this month, Paid Leave published our final adopted rules to implement the program under an expedited rulemaking process. These adopted rules come after significant public input gathered throughout 2024 and 2025. To learn more about this process and read the final rules, visit our website:
Paid Leave at Pride!
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Paid Leave is for all families and all Minnesotans. This includes recognizing the care and love of LGBTQIA2S+ Minnesotans in chosen families.
On Sunday, June 29, Paid Leave joined Twin Cities Pride for the annual parade and festival in Minneapolis to celebrate and share information about the new program launching for Minnesotans on January 1, 2026.
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Supporting Black fathers and families
On June 26, Paid Leave joined the 17th Annual Community Empowerment Black Men Healing Conference for a presentation, panel discussion, and tabling focused on the way Paid Leave can support Black fathers and families with Bonding Leave to welcome a new child.
Thanks to conference organizer and KMOJ radio host Sam Simmons for inviting the Paid Leave team to join this important event.
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Join us at a summer event
Connect with the Paid Leave team this summer at a community and cultural event near you, including but not limited to:
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 hosts a regular monthly webinar to help Minnesotans learn general information about the program. The division also hosts more focused webinars on topics including wage detail reporting, employer accounts, and responsibilities under the law.
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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What are my job protection rights under Paid Leave?
If you have worked at your job for at least 90 days, your job is protected when you take Paid Leave. This means you have the right to be restored to the same, or an equivalent, position when you get back from leave. If your job was temporary, meaning it was already planned to end, you may not have this protection.
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How are my benefits protected under Paid Leave?
If your employer normally provides health insurance, your coverage will continue while you are on leave. You and your employer keep paying your usual premiums for this coverage.
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What happens if my employer offers a private Paid Leave plan?
Employers can use an equivalent plan if it offers employees the same or better coverage as Minnesota Paid Leave. In this case, you'll still be able to use paid leave, but payments will come from your employer or a private insurance carrier instead of the state.
If your employer chooses to offer an equivalent plan, they are legally required to notify you about the plan and its details. Your employer cannot charge you more for an equivalent plan than what your premiums would be under the state plan. You have the same rights and protections under Paid Leave, even if your employer offers an equivalent plan.
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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