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. 

Did you recently welcome a child to your family, or have one on the way? Resources on our website can help you prepare to take Paid Leave for bonding or your own medical care around birth starting in January 2026. 

Here are some things you should know:  

• Bonding Leave can be taken by all parents welcoming a child through birth, adoption, or foster placement. 

• Each parent can take up to 12 weeks of Bonding Leave. If you need Medical Leave to manage pregnancy or recover from birth, you can take up to 20 weeks total of Paid Leave in a year. 

• Bonding Leave must be taken within 12 months of welcoming a child. That means parents who welcome a child in 2025 can take Bonding Leave in 2026. 

To learn more, visit our website: Paid Leave for birth and bonding / Minnesota Paid Leave 

Paid Leave recently partnered with the Minnesota AFL-CIO to host an informational webinar. The session provided an overview of Paid Leave, recent updates, and a preview of the application process to help workers prepare for Paid Leave to start in 2026. The webinar recording and slides are now available on our website.

• When can I take Paid Leave? 
  
  Paid Leave will be available starting January 1, 2026. If you think you might need leave when Paid Leave starts, there are some steps you can take now.
  
  • Visit our website to estimate the payments you could get, and learn more about Paid Leave.  
  • Review requirements for certification, and talk with your healthcare or social service provider.  
  • Have a conversation with your employer about your leave plans and how Paid Leave will work with other benefits your job may offer.  

• What if I work in a seasonal hospitality job? 
  
  Most seasonal and hospitality workers are covered by Paid Leave. Seasonal hospitality employers can request a special designation for certain seasonal hospitality employment. If your employer requests this designation – and their request is approved – you may not be able to take leave from that job, and premiums are not owed on your wages in that position. Your employer must notify you if you are working in a designated position. More information is available on our website: Seasonal Hospitality Designation / Minnesota Paid Leave 

• Can I take Caring Leave if my family member lives out of state? 
  
  Yes, if you are otherwise eligible for Paid Leave. Eligibility for Caring Leave depends on the person who will be giving care. A healthcare provider for the person receiving care must certify that they need care from you as part of your application. Learn more about eligibility for Paid Leave: Eligibility / Minnesota Paid Leave