Minnesota Paid Leave Applications Open Early

(KNSI) – Minnesota workers will be able to apply for paid family and medical leave a day earlier than expected.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development announced on Tuesday that applications will open Wednesday, December 31st, for leave that begins in 2026.

The program provides eligible Minnesota workers with paid, job-protected time off for major life events. Workers can take leave to welcome a new child, care for an ill family member, address their own serious health condition, or tend to certain military family needs.

While applications open on December 31st, no one can actually start taking leave until January 1st. The early application window gives workers and employers extra time to plan and prepare.

More than 7,000 Minnesotans who welcomed a child in 2025 have already applied since applications opened for that group in early December.

Workers can apply at paidleave.mn.gov, where they can also find information about eligibility and benefits.

For questions, contact the Paid Leave Contact Center at 651-556-7777 or 844-556-0444, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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