Beginning January 1, 2026, Minnesota will launch its Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program, a new statewide benefit designed to give workers time to care for themselves and their loved ones without sacrificing financial stability.

Who’s Covered?

Most Minnesota workers—full-time, part-time, temporary, or seasonal—will be automatically covered under the new program. Federal employees, railroad workers, and certain seasonal workers are excluded. Independent contractors and self-employed individuals can choose to opt in if they want access to the benefits.

What Kinds of Leave Qualify?

PFML is designed to cover the major life events that often force workers to choose between their paycheck and their wellbeing. Covered situations include:

• Medical leave for your own serious health condition, including recovery from childbirth.
• Family leave to bond with a new child (through birth, adoption, or foster care), care for a seriously ill loved one, or handle responsibilities related to a family member’s military service.
• Safety leave in situations involving domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

How Much Time Is Available?

Workers can take up to 12 weeks of medical leave and 12 weeks of family leave in a single year. If both are needed, the maximum combined benefit is 20 weeks. That means a new parent recovering from childbirth could use medical leave for recovery, then add family leave to bond while knowing their income and benefits continue.

What About Pay During Leave?

PFML provides partial wage replacement during time off. Lower-wage workers will receive a higher percentage of their income, while higher-wage earners will see a smaller percentage, up to a capped amount. On average, the benefits will cover between 55% and 90% of normal wages. This formula helps ensure that leave is accessible for everyone, not just those who can afford unpaid time off.

Job Security and Benefits Protection

If you’ve worked for your employer for at least 90 days, your job or an equivalent role will be waiting for you when you return. Employers must also continue health insurance and other benefits while you’re on leave. Importantly, the law also prohibits retaliation. Employers cannot penalize or demote an employee for requesting or taking leave.

How Will the Program Be Funded?

Starting in 2026, the program will be funded through a 0.88% payroll tax, split equally between employer and employee. For most workers, that means about 0.44% deducted from each paycheck. Employers may also choose to provide a private plan if it meets or exceeds state requirements.

For businesses, this means updating payroll systems in advance to ensure compliance with new withholding and reporting requirements.

Key Dates

• December 1, 2025 – Employers must notify workers about the program.
• January 1, 2026 – Paid Family and Medical Leave begins.
• April 30, 2026 – First round of premium payments due from employers.

Minnesota’s new PFML program is a landmark benefit that puts family and health needs on equal footing with work responsibilities. For healthcare professionals like us, who spend their careers caring for others, it’s a recognition that their own health and family lives deserve the same care.