Minnesota 

Minnesota’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program will begin paying benefits January 1, 2026. Employers can opt-out of the state program in favor of a private plan that is equal or better than the state program.  

Eligibility:

Employers

Most employers and governmental entities that employ at least one employee working in the state of Minnesota.  

Employees

Employees are eligible for PFML if they have earned at least 5.3% of the state’s average wage during the base period. The base period is the four completed quarters prior to leave.

Benefits overview

Qualifying Reasons

Medical leave

  • Employee’s own serious health condition

Family leave

  • Bond with a new child after birth, adoption, or foster care placement
  • Care for a family member with a serious health condition
  • Military exigency related to a family member’s active military duty or call to duty

Safe leave

  • Needs related to domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault

Duration of Leave

12 weeks of medical or family leave

Up to a combined maximum of 20 weeks in a claim year

Benefit Calculation

There is a 3-tier benefit calculation:

  • 90% wage replacement for earnings up to 50% of the state average weekly wage (SAWW); plus
  • 66% wage replacement for earnings over 50% of the SAWW, up to 100% of the SAWW; plus
  • 55% wage replacement for any earnings exceeding 100% of the SAWW

The maximum benefits amount will equal the state average weekly wage

Waiting Period

There is a 7-day waiting period under Minnesota PFML, except for bonding leave

Leave Frequency

Leave can be taken continuously or intermittently. Intermittent leave must be taken in 1-day increments.  

Job Protection

Leave under Minnesota PFML is considered job protected leave once an employee has worked 90 days for their employer

Additional information:  

Private Plans

Employers may opt out of the state plan in favor of a private plan.

A private plan must:

  • Provide equal to or better benefits than those under the state plan
  • Cover all employees employed by the employer
  • Guarantee employee contributions are not greater than what the employee would pay under the state plan
  • Include no additional requirements or conditions than the state plan

Additional rules and regulations are forthcoming.  

Covered Family Members

Under Minnesota PFML, employees may take family leave to care for a family member with a serious health condition. Covered relationships include:

  • Spouse or domestic partner
  • Child (biological, adopted, foster, stepchild)
  • Parent (biological, adopted, foster, stepparent, parent-in-law)
  • Sibling
  • Grandparent or spouse’s grandparent
  • Grandchild
  • Son-in-law or daughter-in-law
  • Any individual who has an expectation of care from the employee

To learn more about Minnesota’s paid leave program, visit the Minnesota Paid Leave website.

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