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Minnesota’s Paid Family and Medical Leave: A Comprehensive Guide

Minnesota has established a groundbreaking Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program, offering notable benefits to workers across the state. This program provides financial support to eligible employees who need time off work to care for themselves or their families. It’s a nation-leading policy designed to support Minnesota families and strengthen the state’s workforce.

What is Minnesota’s Paid Family and Medical Leave?

The Minnesota PFML program allows eligible employees to take paid time off for qualifying reasons. These reasons include:

• their own serious health condition: This covers illnesses, injuries, or recovery from medical procedures.
• To care for a family member with a serious health condition: This includes spouses, parents, children, and grandparents.
• Parental leave: Time off for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
• Safe leave: Time off related to domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking.
• Bereavement leave: Time off following the death of a family member.

Who is Eligible?

Most Minnesota employees are eligible for PFML benefits. Generally, you must meet the following criteria:

• Have worked at least 680 hours in the 12 months before your leave begins.
• Be employed in Minnesota at the time of your leave.
• Meet certain earnings requirements.

there are some exceptions, and eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis.Self-employed individuals may also be eligible to opt-in to the program.

How Much Benefit Will I Receive?

the amount of your weekly benefit is based on a percentage of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum amount. As of December 2025, the benefit is capped at $1,000 per week. The wage replacement rate varies based on income, with lower-income workers receiving a higher percentage of their wages.

How is the Program Funded?

The PFML program is funded through a payroll tax shared by employers and employees. The tax rate is 0.4% of gross wages, split between employers and employees.

When Does the Program Start?

Benefits became available on January 1, 2026. Contributions to the program began on January 1, 2025.

How Do I Apply?

Applications for PFML benefits are submitted through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). You can find more information and apply online at the DEED website: https://www.doli.state.mn.us/paid-family-medical-leave

Key Takeaways

• Minnesota’s PFML program provides paid leave for a variety of qualifying reasons.
• Most Minnesota employees are eligible, provided they meet certain work and earnings requirements.
• Benefits are funded through a shared employer-employee payroll tax.
• Applications are submitted through the Minnesota DEED.
• The program began contributions in January 2025 and benefits became available January 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What if I’m self-employed?

Self-employed individuals can opt-in to the PFML program and contribute to receive benefits.

Can I use PFML for intermittent leave?

Yes, in many cases, you can take leave intermittently, such as one day a week, to care for a family member.

does PFML run concurrently with FMLA?

Yes, PFML and the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) often run concurrently, meaning the time off counts towards both benefits