 Paid Leave updates for individuals and families
September 2025
Starting in January 2026, Paid Leave will ensure Minnesotans can take the time they need to be there for some of life's most important moments – like welcoming a child, recovering from a serious illness, or caring for a loved one
100 days until Paid Leave
We are officially less than 100 days away from launch! As January 1, 2026 approaches, we will continue to share tools and information to help you prepare. Whether you’re planning to welcome a new child, need medical leave for your own care, or will be caring for a loved one, Paid Leave is excited to get you prepared for launch.
Thinking about a leave you might need in 2026? Start here:
How your employer will tell you about Paid Leave
Under Paid Leave, your employer is required to notify you about Paid Leave in two ways:
-
A workplace poster, displayed in English and any other language spoken by five or more people.
-
An individual notice in your primary language.
When the program begins, employers must give this notice by December 1, 2025. You can review the poster and sample notices that are now available for employers to use on our website, so you know what to look for as Paid Leave approaches.
Taking Paid Leave to care for your safety
Safety Leave is a type of Family Leave that helps you take time away from work if you or a family member are affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Leave can be taken to:
-
Seek medical or mental healthcare
-
Receive help from a victim services organization
-
Get legal help or attend court for related issues
This type of leave has several important differences from other leave types, including certification requirements and weekly reporting.
Learn more about Safety Leave in our new factsheet. Additional information will be available on our website in the coming weeks.
Upcoming webinars: learn more about Paid Leave!
Paid Leave hosts a monthly webinar 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
📆 Thursday October 9, 2025
Virtual: Nueva Ley de Ausencias Remuneradas: Lo Que Debe Saber
📆 Martes, 14 de Octubre de 2025
A partir de enero de 2026, el programa de Ausencia Remunerada garantizará que los habitantes de Minnesota puedan tomarse el tiempo que necesiten para estar presentes en algunos de los momentos más importantes de la vida, como dar la bienvenida a un(a) hijo(a) a la familia, recuperarse de una enfermedad grave o cuidar de un ser querido. Tanto los empleadores como los empleados desempeñan un papel importante en el programa.
En esta sesión, ofreceremos una descripción general del programa, compartiremos actualizaciones recientes, responderemos a sus preguntas y lo ayudaremos a preparase para cumplir con sus responsabilidades bajo las Ausencias Remuneradas.
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
-
How much can I be paid while on leave?
Your payment is based on how much you normally earn. Most people will receive between 55% and 90% of their regular wages while on leave, with a maximum weekly benefit set at the state average wage. Right now, this is $1,423 per week. Use our calculator to estimate your payments.
-
Can my employer deny my application for leave?
No. Employers will have an opportunity to review certain details of your application and let the Paid Leave Division know if they disagree with certain information you shared, like your usual pay or hours. But Paid Leave will make the determination on your application, not your employer.
-
What if my employer uses an equivalent plan for Paid Leave?
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. Learn more about equivalent plans for Paid Leave.
-
Are self-employed individuals covered by Paid Leave?
Self-employed individuals and independent contractors are not required to participate in the program; however, they will be able to opt in to coverage. If you opt in, you will pay premiums annually and will be covered under Minnesota Paid Leave for at least two years, or until you opt out. When you opt in, you will have the same potential payments and leave time available to you as other workers covered by Paid Leave.
For more information
You can find more information for 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, reach out to our Contact Center.
|
