Minnesota Paid Family Leave Laws

Minnesota has enacted a Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program, set to commence on January 1, 2026, providing eligible employees with compensated time off for specified family and medical reasons.

What is Paid Family Leave?

Paid Family Leave (PFL) allows employees to take compensated time off from work to address significant family or medical needs, such as bonding with a new child or caring for a seriously ill family member. PFL aims to support employees in balancing work responsibilities with essential family obligations without financial hardship.

Does Minnesota Have Paid Family Leave Laws That Differ from Federal Family Leave Laws?

Yes, Minnesota’s PFML program offers up to 12 weeks of paid family leave and up to 12 weeks of paid medical leave per benefit year, with a combined maximum of 20 weeks if multiple qualifying events occur. In contrast, the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for similar circumstances. Additionally, Minnesota’s program is funded through employer and employee contributions, whereas FMLA does not offer paid benefits.

What Counts as a Qualifying Event for Paid Family Leave in Minnesota?

Qualifying events under Minnesota’s PFML include:

• Bonding with a new child through birth, adoption, or foster care placement.
• Caring for a family member with a serious health condition.
• Addressing one’s own serious health condition.
• Managing certain needs related to a family member’s military deployment.
• Addressing issues arising from domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking involving the employee or a family member.

Are There Requirements to be Eligible for Paid Family Leave in Minnesota?

To be eligible, an individual must have earned at least 5.3% of the state average annual wage during the base period, which equates to approximately $3,500 per year.

Is There a Minimum Amount of Paid Family Leave Time Required in Minnesota?

The PFML program provides up to 12 weeks of paid family leave and up to 12 weeks of paid medical leave per benefit year, with a combined maximum of 20 weeks if multiple qualifying events occur.

Is There a Minimum Amount of Maternity Leave Time Required in Minnesota?

Eligible employees may take up to 12 weeks of paid leave for maternity-related events, including the birth and care of a newborn child, under the family leave provisions of the PFML program.

Is Paternity Leave Required by Law in Minnesota?

Yes, the PFML program includes paternity leave, granting eligible employees up to 12 weeks of paid leave to bond with a new child through birth, adoption, or foster care placement.

Who Pays for Paid Family Leave in Minnesota?

The PFML program is funded through premiums on employee wages, shared between employers and employees. Employers started deducting the employee share of the premium on January 1, 2026, with the first premiums due to the state by April 30, 2026, based on wages paid from January 1 to March 31, 2026.

Conclusion

Minnesota’s PFML program offers substantial support for employees during critical family and medical events by providing paid leave and job protection. Both employees and employers should familiarize themselves with the program’s provisions to ensure compliance and to fully benefit from the available protections.