Minnesota Paid Leave

Minnesota’s Paid Leave law took effect on Jan. 1, 2026. The program provides job protection and partial wage replacement for employees who take leave for qualifying reasons.

Qualifying reasons include bonding with a new child, a serious health condition, caring for a family member, and personal safety issues such as domestic abuse or sexual assault.

Eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of medical leave and up to 12 weeks of family leave within a 12-month period, with a combined maximum of 20 weeks.

How much is Minnesota Paid Leave?

Most people will receive between 55% and 90% of their regular wages while on leave, with a maximum amount set at $1,423 per week for 2026, according to Minnesota Paid Leave.¹ Payments are issued once a week after a claim is approved.

Who is eligible for Paid Leave in Minnesota?

To be eligible, you must have earned at least $3,900 during the last 12 months. This is the minimum earnings threshold required for employees to be eligible for benefits under the program.

Eligible Minnesota workers can apply for benefits through the paidleave.mn.gov  portal as early as 60 days before the leave start date.

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development 
Paid Leave