Minnesota Paid Leave: What to know and do

Minnesota Paid Leave: What to know and do

Minnesota’s new Paid Leave program begins January 1, 2026. Employers across Hennepin County must prepare now by setting up accounts, notifying employees, and updating company processes.

What is Minnesota Paid Leave?

Minnesota Paid Leave is a statewide program that provides up to 20 weeks of paid time off for medical and family reasons, including bonding with a new child, caring for a sick family member, or recovering from illness. The program is designed to improve employee retention and workplace morale while ensuring workers can take time away without losing income.

Timeline

December 1, 2025: Employers must notify their workforce about Paid Leave.

January 1, 2026: Paid Leave benefits become available to employees.

April 2026: Employers begin submitting quarterly wage detail reports and paying premiums.

Paid Leave compliance guide

Employers have several compliance steps. All these steps can be completed by business owners at no cost.

Create accounts
Register or confirm your Employer Account through Minnesota’s Unemployment Insurance system. This process takes only a few minutes. Step-by-step instructions are available at the Minnesota Paid Leave website.

Notify employees

Business owners must notify employees with posters and in writing. They must display the official Minnesota Paid Leave poster in the workplace by December 1, 2025. Posters and guidance can be found in the (DEED resource kit).

Employers also need to notify their workforce about Paid Leave and collect acknowledgment from employees. This can be done by signing a form, electronic receipt, or in another way you decide. Be sure to retain proof of notice, state Minnesota Paid Leave staff may request this proof if an employee says they were not notified.    

Premiums and reporting
Submit quarterly wage detail reports starting April 2026. Pay premiums based on employee wages. Employers may deduct up to 0.44% of wages from employees to cover their share. More details about collecting and reporting can be found at the Minnesota Paid leave website.

Quick links

• Minnesota Paid Leave employer toolkit
• Small employers fact sheet and grants
• Minnesota Paid Leave webinars
• Employer roles & responsibilities