Starting on Jan. 1, 2026, Minnesota will launch the state’s expanded Paid Family and Medical Leave (MN PFML) program. MN PFML allows Minnesotans to take paid time off from work for a variety of family- and medical-related reasons. 

Here’s what the new law means for employers and employees in Minnesota. 

How Much, and What Types, of Leave Will Be Available? 

The MN PFML program provides up to 12 weeks of medical leave and 12 weeks of family leave per year, with a maximum combined leave of 20 weeks. 

Covered types of leave include: 

• Recovering from a serious health condition or getting medical care related to a pregnancy 
• Caring for a family member with a serious health condition 
• Bonding with a new child 
• Managing military leave 
• Managing certain needs related to sexual or domestic violence against the employee or a family member 

Who is Subject to the PFML Law? 

Any employer with employees working in Minnesota, regardless of employer size, must provide coverage, either through the state-run program or a private plan. This includes: 

• Companies with an employee whose work is located in Minnesota 
• Minnesota state entities, including employees of state agencies, state colleges and universities, and municipal and local government entities 

Who is Eligible for Paid Leave? 

Employees are eligible if they’ve earned at least 5.30% of the state average annual wage rounded down to the next lower $100. Several groups are excluded from this, including: 

• Federal government employees 
• Self-employed individuals 
• Independent contractors Self-employed individuals and independent contractors may opt in and elect coverage if they choose. 

How Does the Law Define ‘Family Member’? 

For the purpose of MN PFML, family members are defined as a: 

• Spouse or domestic partner 
• Child (biological, child of domestic partner, adopted, foster, or step; or child for whom the employee stands in loco parentis, is a legal guardian, or is a de facto parent) 
• Son-in-law 
• Daughter-in-law 
• Parent (biological, adopted, de facto, foster, step, legal guardian, or in loco parentis) 
• Parent-in-law 
• Sibling 
• Grandchild 
• Grandparent 
• Grandparent-in-law 
• An individual with whom the employee has a close relationship that creates a reasonable expectation of care, even if they don’t live together. 

How is the Program Funded? 

MN PFML is funded by employee and employer contributions. For 2026, the employer premium rate will be 0.88% of employee wages. The total premium rate hasn’t been set yet, but it cannot exceed 1.2%. Wages up to $176,100 (the Social Security wage cap in 2025) are subject to premium. However, the employer’s premium rate is reduced for employers with fewer than 30 employees. The premium rate will be adjusted annually and announced by July 31 to be effective the following January 1. 

Questions? 

If you’re in Minnesota and have questions about MN PFML, including what it means for your business, contact us today.