Beginning January 1, 2026, Minnesota’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program will provide eligible employees with up to 20 weeks of paid leave per year to care for themselves and their families—without sacrificing financial stability. This marks a meaningful step toward ensuring fair and inclusive paid leave benefits for all employees, regardless of hours worked or the size of the employer.
What PFML Offers
Employees may take:
- Up to 12 weeks of family leave
- Up to 12 weeks of medical leave
- Maximum of 20 total weeks per year
PFML replaces a portion of your regular wages. Most people will receive between 55% and 90% of their average pay, with a weekly cap tied to the state’s average wage.
Covered Leave Includes:
- Personal & Family Medical Leave
- Bonding / Parental Leave
- Safety Leave (for domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking situations)
- Deployment Leave (to support family members of military service members)
Like FMLA and other current leave laws, employers cannot retaliate against employees for exercising their Paid Family Medical Leave rights under Minnesota law. Understanding your options for leave can be confusing.
At MSB Employment Justice, we understand how critical it is for employees to care for their health and loved ones without fear of losing income or job security. Minnesota’s PFML program is a major step forward—and we’re here to help you understand your rights and feel supported every step of the way. If you feel your rights are being violated or have questions about Paid Family & Medical Leave, Contact MSB Employment Justice today to speak with our legal team.
