Minnesota

Understanding paid leave

Minnesota has recently passed legislation requiring paid medical leave (PML) and paid family leave (PFL) income replacement benefits for eligible workers who need time off from work for qualifying reasons. The program is referred to as Minnesota Paid Leave.

Minnesota Paid Leave: Coverage and cost

Learn about your state rules and eligibility.

Coverage options

State plan: Provides a baseline of benefits that all covered employers must offer.

State-approved private plans: Option to offer an approved private plan that meets or exceeds state benefits.

Employer coverage

All employers with 1 or more employees working in Minnesota are required to provide MN PFML. Exceptions are tribal nations, the federal government and self-employed individuals.

Employee eligibility

Employee must have earned at least 5.3% of the state average annual wage (SAAW, approximately $3,900) in the individual's base period or self-employed individuals who elect coverage under the plan.
Some seasonal workers are excluded from coverage.

Leave reasons

PML: Employee's own serious health condition.

PFL: Caring for a family member, bonding, safe leave, and qualifying exigency.

Job protection

Requires continuation of benefits and right to reinstatement after 90 days tenure.

PFML benefits

Benefit percentage: Up to 90% of their average weekly wage on a sliding scale.

Maximum weekly benefit: 100% of the state average weekly wage ($1,423).

Waiting period: To be determined.

Maximum duration:

PML: 12 weeks.
PFL: 12 weeks of family leave.
Combined PML and PFL: 20 weeks total.

Cost

Employee: Employer may deduct 0.44% of taxable wages. This represents 50% of the 0.88% combined contribution.

Employer: Employer is responsible for 0.88% of taxable wages.

PML: 0.61%
PFL: 0.27%

Program timeline

Program start date: January 1, 2026

Benefits available: January 1, 2026

Need more information? Visit Minnesota's website

How Colonial Life can help

Colonial Life offers a choice of disability insurance plans that can complement benefits for Minnesota and help bridge coverage gaps. Reach out to our sales representatives to learn more about our disability solutions.