ST. PAUL, Minn. (KFGO) — State officials are preparing to launch Minnesota’s new Paid Leave program.
Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Matt Varilek says they begin accepting early applications Wednesday, Dec. 3. He says, “Any eligible Minnesota parent who welcomed a child in 2025 will be able to apply for leave to be used in 2026.”
Varilek says parents have one year to use the 12 weeks of leave after the birth or adoption of a child.
All other eligible Minnesotans can begin applying Jan. 1 for paid leave in 2026. Varilek says they’ve been running beta tests more than a month and identified a few refinements to make.
On Tuesday, Gov. Tim Walz visited a deli to discuss the program, one month out from its start.
“Quality of life is something we take seriously in Minnesota,” said Governor Walz. “This has long been one of the best places to live, but too many parents and caregivers have faced an impossible choice between their job and their family. Paid Leave gives Minnesotans the security to welcome a child or care for a loved one without risking their income — a smart, effective policy that strengthens families, improves retention, and supports small businesses.”
The paid leave law, passed in 2023 and signed by Gov. Walz, creates a statewide paid family and medical leave program starting January 1, 2026, providing eligible workers paid, job-protected time off for major life events, including bonding with a new child or caring for an ill family member.
“Paid Leave programs not only make time for care, but also improve retention, performance and morale on the job,” said Varilek. “Minnesota employers have played a pivotal role in building this program and will be essential to its success. We are here to help if employers need resources, support, or answers as they bring this important new benefit to their workforce.”
Walz says Tuesday’s visit underscored the program’s importance for small employers. Many small businesses have previously lacked the financial capacity to offer paid leave, leaving owners and employees to choose between income and caregiving.
Under the law, small employers will pay reduced premium rates and may be eligible for grants to help cover staffing costs when an employee is out on leave.
The governor’s office says about 5,000 new parents are expected to apply in December.
People can learn more, explore resources, and apply at paidleave.mn.gov.
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