Overview
- Minnesota’s program took effect Jan. 1, offering up to 12 weeks of family leave and 12 weeks of medical leave per year, capped at 20 weeks total with partial wage replacement of roughly 55%–90% up to $1,423 per week.
- DEED reports early processing results of 4,005 approvals and 2,044 denials or cancellations, with common denials tied to missing documentation or an employer’s equivalent plan.
- Funding comes from a payroll premium that will reach 0.88% of most wages with employers paying at least half, while small employers face a total premium of 0.66% and deductions begin this month.
- Integrity steps include identity verification, certification by appropriate providers for each leave, employer notifications to review applications, and system checks linked to unemployment insurance data.
- The law covers most workers but excludes federal and tribal employees, certain seasonal hospitality roles, independent contractors, self‑employed, postal and railroad workers, and it generally requires job restoration after 90 days of employment.