St. Paul, MN — The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today announced that the first payments have been sent out to Minnesotans on Paid Leave. These payments began arriving last Friday to over 2,600 Minnesotans.

"This is an exciting moment for Paid Leave: sending out our first round of payments is a milestone that empowers Minnesotans to take time for the moments that matter most," said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. "Paid Leave's launch is proceeding smoothly thanks to strong, strategic planning, coordination and execution. I have no doubt this program will make Minnesota a better place to work, live and raise a family, and we are proud to put it into action for Minnesotans."

The average payment going out to Minnesotans this week is $1,153. Payments are a percentage of how much someone usually earns, up to a weekly maximum. The weekly maximum is the average wage in Minnesota, currently $1,423 per week.

Paid Leave offers a calculator to help Minnesotans estimate their potential weekly payments under the program.

After payments are sent by the state, they generally arrive to Minnesotans by direct deposit in 3 to 5 days. Payments are made weekly once a leave is approved. Minnesotans can also choose to be paid by prepaid debit card.

Of the more than 25,000 applications received so far, the Paid Leave Division has reached a determination on over 10,000. Of these, around two-thirds have been approved. The average approved leave duration right now is for just under nine weeks.

Minnesota is one of 13 states in the nation to offer paid family and medical leave. Paid Leave offers up to 12 weeks of paid, job-protected leave to welcome a new child, care for a loved one or manage their own medical needs. Workers needing both family and medical leave in the same benefit year may take up to 20 weeks total.

Apply now

Minnesota workers can apply for Paid Leave now. Visit paidleave.mn.gov to apply and to learn more about eligibility and benefits.

To reach the Paid Leave Contact Center by phone, call 651-556-7777 or 844-556-0444 (toll-free) Mon.-Fri. From 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed during state holidays). Help is available in different languages.

About Minnesota Paid Leave

Minnesota Paid Leave is a statewide program administered by DEED. Paid Leave makes it possible for Minnesotans to care for themselves and their families during life's most important moments.