Minnesota’s Paid Leave Program Starts in 2026

In 2023, Minnesota enacted a paid family and medical leave (PFML) law that will provide most workers with up to 20 weeks of paid, job-protected leave for family and medical reasons. Employer and employee contributions begin Jan. 1, 2026, the same date benefits become available. 

There are two main types of PFML leave—medical and family—and individuals can take up to 12 weeks of each, but they are limited to a combined maximum of 20 weeks in a benefit year. “Medical leave” is leave for the employee’s serious health condition, including medical care related to pregnancy. “Family leave” refers to leave for all other reasons permitted by the program.

By Dec. 1, 2025, employers must post a workplace poster prepared by the department in a conspicuous place, providing notice of PFML benefits.