Individuals and families

Caring for yourself and your family

Starting January 1, 2026, Minnesota Paid Leave will offer payments and job protections to people who need time away from work for their own health or to care for a family member. Paid Leave helps Minnesotans stay financially stable while caring for their own well-being or being there for the people they love.

Am I covered?

Paid Leave coverage is very broad. Paid Leave covers nearly every employer, regardless of business size, revenue, or number of employees. It covers nearly every employee – including full time, part time, temporary, and most seasonal workers.

Independent contractors, self-employed individuals, and Tribal Nations are not covered by the program, but they can opt in. Federal government employees, seasonal hospitality employees that have been notified they are exempt by their employer, and railroad employees are not covered for their work at those jobs, and cannot opt in.

To qualify, you must have:

• Earned at least $3,700 in the last year, this is about 5.3% of the state's average annual wage. This amount can come from one job or be combined from multiple jobs.
• Experienced a qualifying event lasting at least seven days. See the link below to learn more about qualifying events.

If you're self-employed or an independent contractor, you're not automatically covered—but you can choose to opt in.

Learn more about who's covered.

When can I use Paid Leave?

You can take Paid Leave for medical or family reasons.

Medical Leave

• Take care of yourself for a serious health condition. A serious health condition means a physical or mental illness, injury, impairment, condition, or substance use disorder. Taking care of yourself for this serious condition may involve evaluation, treatment, inpatient care, recovery, or not being able to perform regular work, attend school, or do regular daily activities. This includes childbirth, conditions related to pregnancy, or surgery.

Family Leave

• Bonding leave – to care for and bond with a new child welcomed through birth, adoption, or foster placement
• Caring leave – to care for a family member with a serious health condition
• Military family leave – to support a family member called to active duty
• Safety leave – to respond to issues such as domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

How much time can I take?

In a single benefit year, you may take up to:

• 12 weeks of Medical Leave
• 12 weeks of Family Leave

If you qualify for both leave types, you can take a combined maximum of 20 weeks in one benefit year. Your benefit year starts the first day you take leave.

Each leave requires certification from a health care provider or service provider.

See how it works.

How much money will I receive?

Your payment is based on how much you normally earn. Most people will receive between 55% and 90% of their regular wages while on leave, with a maximum weekly benefit set at the state average wage. Right now, this is $1,372 per week.

Soon, you will be able to use a calculator on our website to estimate your Paid Leave payments.

How do I apply?

Paid Leave benefits begin on January 1, 2026.

Detailed information on how to apply for Paid Leave will be provided as the program launch date approaches. Stay informed by signing up for Paid Leave updates for Individuals and Families.

What are my rights at work?

You have rights and protections under the Paid Leave law.

While you are on Paid Leave:

• If you've worked for your employer for at least 90 days, you have the right to return to your job, or an equivalent position.
• Your employer must continue your health insurance and other benefits.

All Minnesotans are protected against retaliation when they apply for or take Paid Leave. Your employer cannot fire you, demote you, cut your hours, or discipline you because you took or requested leave under this program.

If you think your employer is violating your rights by not returning you to the same or similar job after your leave, not providing continued insurance, or retaliating against you for applying for or receiving paid leave, contact the Labor Standards Division at the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry at dli.laborstandards@state.mn.us or 651-284-5075. For all other inquiries related to Paid Leave, please contact us: Paid Leave – Contact Us.

Resources and support

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