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ACT NOW: Paid Leave applications open early for new parents

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Paid Leave applications open soon

Minnesota Paid Leave is a new state government program starting January 1, 2026, that will offer payments and job protections so people can take time off work to care for themselves or their loved ones during some of life’s most important moments.

This month, we tested the Paid Leave application with employees at select partner organizations. After this successful test, we anticipate opening Bonding Leave applications in early December.

This will give workers and employees time to plan and prepare for the start of Paid Leave.

Get ready: Be prepared when your employees apply for leave

Your employees will be able to apply in December if they welcomed a child in 2025 and want to take Bonding Leave in a single block of time, starting in January. They must inform you before they apply with the state.

Before Paid Leave begins, there are steps you can take to get ready.

Prepare for Paid Leave

Act now: Notify your employees by December 1

You must notify your employees about Paid Leave by December 1, 2025. You must both:

✅ Hang the Paid Leave workplace poster (PDF).

✅ Provide individual notices (Word Doc) to your employees.

Learn more about notification requirements and download the posters and sample notices in multiple languages on our employer webpage.

Stay informed

Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter to get the latest news and make sure you are ready for January 1!

Have questions or need help? Our Contact Center is ready to assist. Call us at 651-556-7777 or send us an email.