Eligibility
Most people who work in Minnesota are covered by Paid Leave. Whether you work full time, part-time, seasonally, or more than one job, you likely qualify.
Am I covered?
You are likely covered if you:
- Work at least 50% of the time from a location in Minnesota. This includes employees who work from home in Minnesota or spend some time working in other states. However, you are not covered by Paid Leave if you work more than 50 percent of your time in a different state.
- Earned 5.3% of the state's average annual wage (about $3,700) in the past year.
Your job is protected while on Paid Leave if you have been in your current role for at least 90 days.
Does my work count?
The following types of jobs usually count toward Paid Leave:
- Full-time jobs
- Part-time jobs
- Temporary work
- Hourly work
- Jobs through temp agencies
- Multiple jobs (you can combine wages from all of them)
- Some seasonal work
Even if you work just a few hours a week, you may still qualify if your total wages for the year meet the required minimum.
Who else is covered?
- Undocumented workers – Your immigration status does not affect your right to Paid Leave.
- Young workers – If you earned enough and your wages are reported, you can apply.
- New workers – If you meet the earnings requirement, you are eligible, even if you just started with a new employer. However, you may not have job protections while on Paid Leave if you have not been employed for at least 90 days.
- Multiple jobs – You can combine your earnings across all your jobs to meet the minimum.
Self-employed and independent contractors
If you're self-employed, a freelancer, or a gig worker (like rideshare or delivery drivers), you are not automatically covered—but you can choose to opt in to the program.
You will need to:
- Apply for voluntary coverage
- Pay into the program through premiums, like everyone else participating in Paid Leave
Then you will be eligible for benefits, just like other workers.
More information on how to opt in will be available in the coming months.
What about my employer?
Almost all employers in Minnesota participate in Paid Leave—even small businesses and those who may be exempt from other programs, like Unemployment Insurance.
Your employer:
- Does not need to approve your leave
- Cannot deny your application
- Is required to let you return to work if you've been there for at least 90 days
Some employers may Paid Leave benefits through an equivalent private plan instead of the state plan. In this case, you'll still receive Paid Leave, but payments will come from your employer or a private insurance carrier instead of the state. You have the same rights and protections under Paid Leave, even if your employer offers a private plan.
What if I'm not covered?
You may not be covered if:
- You only earn income that isn't reported to the state
- You are self-employed and haven't opted in
- You have not earned enough this year (but you might qualify in the future)
- Your only work is in an exempt, seasonal hospitality job
If you are not sure whether you qualify, you can always apply and we will review your application and let you know.
Need help?
If you're still unsure about whether you qualify or have other questions about Paid Leave, our Contact Center is here to help.
