Paid leave rolls out in Minnesota with nearly 12,000 applicants
The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced on Friday, Jan. 2, that since they made the application for leave available at the beginning of December, 11,883 Minnesotans have applied for the new benefit.
On Friday, DEED issued a press release with initial participation numbers now that the program has officially launched. According to the press release, not only has DEED received nearly 12,000 applications, it has also already reviewed 6,393 of the requested leaves. The application that opened in December was specifically for Minnesotans who added a child to their family, either by birth or by adoption, in 2025.
The Minnesota State Legislature approved a paid leave program, and Gov. Tim Walz signed it into law in 2023. According to the Bipartisan Policy Center, over a dozen states and the District of Columbia offer paid family medical leave (FMLA) programs. In Minnesota, the program will offer 12 weeks of family leave, and 12 weeks of medical leave. While Minnesotans could take leave under both categories, the program caps the amount of leave they could be granted at 20 weeks.
Reasons that could qualify an applicant for family leave include bonding time with a new child in their family, supporting a family member who is an active duty member of the military, and providing medical care to a family member. Applicants who are dealing with personal safety issues including domestic violence or sexual assault for themself or a loved one could also quality.
Minnesotans needing time off to address their own medical conditions can apply for medical leave. This can include receiving active treatment for a serious health problem, or recovering from an event like childbirth or surgery.
Those whose applications are accepted will receive part of their usual wages. According to the Minnesota Paid Leave website, “Most people will receive between 55% and 90% of their regular wages while on leave, with a maximum amount set at the state’s average wage. Right now, this is $1,423 per week.”
The program will also protect applicants from retaliation by their employers, ensuring that their job is protected.
Most Minnesotans will be covered by this program, though there are a few exceptions. Independent contractors, self-employed individuals, and those working for Tribal Nations are not automatically covered, but can opt into the program. Some seasonal hospitality workers are not covered by the program, and federal government employees, postal workers, and railroad employees are not eligible.
DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek is quoted in the press release saying, “Receiving nearly 12,000 early Paid Leave applications shows just how motivated people are to engage with this new program.” He added, “Our website is managing traffic well and our contact center team is prepared to answer questions from Minnesotans who need assistance. We’re proud and excited to implement this program for Minnesota.”
According to the press release, DEED estimates that it will receive roughly 130,000 applications during 2026.
The program is funded similarly to many insurance programs, with employers and employees paying premiums to cover the cost of the benefit.
Kirsten Wisniewski January 3, 2026
