Paid Family and Medical Leave is Coming to Minnesota: What Caregivers and Workers Need to Know

Starting January 1, 2026, Minnesota workers will have access to Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)—a new state benefit that provides financial support and job protection when you need time away from work to care for yourself or a loved one.

AARP Minnesota supported this legislation as part of our commitment to strengthening financial security and caregiving support for working families across the state.

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If you’ve worked in Minnesota and made at least $3,700 in the past year, you could be covered under the new paid leave program when facing a qualifying event of seven days or longer. Coverage includes full-time, part-time, temporary, and most seasonal workers. Some limited exceptions apply. Participants should notify their employer of their intention to take leave and submit their paid leave request on or after January 1, 2026.

You may be eligible for PFML if you need time off for:

• Your own serious health condition
• Caring for a family member with a serious health condition
• Bonding with a new child
• Military family leave
• Safety leave (related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking)

Caregiving leave requires a health care provider to certify that your loved one’s condition is serious and that your care is medically necessary.

• Up to 12 weeks of medical leave
• Up to 12 weeks of family leave
• A maximum of 20 weeks total per benefit year
• Partial wage replacement (55%–90% of your average weekly wage)
• Job protection after 90 days of employment

The Paid Family and Medical Leave program is administered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). For the most current information, official forms, deadlines, and updates, visit the state’s PFML website at mn.gov/deed/paidleave.

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