Minnesota's Paid Family and Medical Leave
Less than three months remain until Minnesota's Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program launches on January 1, 2026, and employers and employees across the state are preparing for the expansion of workplace benefits. PFML will provide workers with up to twelve weeks of paid medical leave, and up to twelve weeks of paid family leave, capping at a total of twenty weeks off.
Upcoming Deadlines
Upcoming Deadline: November 10, 2025
Employers planning to elect an Equivalent Private Plan instead of Minnesota’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program must submit their application by November 10, 2025, to have the plan in place by January 1, 2026. Requests are reviewed on a rolling basis, and plans can take effect at the start of any quarter. Submitting at least one quarter in advance allows time for review, any additional documentation, and employee notification.
Upcoming Deadline: December 1, 2025
Employers must display official PFML workplace notices by December 1, 2025. This posting obligation is mandatory for all covered employers and serves as a communication tool to inform employees about their upcoming rights and benefits under the program. Further, employers must post the notice in any language in which they have five or more employees who speak such language.
Beyond notifying employees through posters, employers must notify their employees of the changing law individually. Notice must be given in each employee’s primary language and the employee must acknowledge they have received notice of paid family and medical leave. Minnesota’s paid leave website has more information regarding notification including the posters to hang and sample individual notifications. Failure to comply with this posting requirement could result in penalties and legal disputes.
Paying Premiums
Minnesota employers face a premium rate of 0.88% of each employee's taxable wages to fund the PFML program. Employers have the flexibility to absorb this entire cost or pass up to half (0.44%) to employees through payroll deductions. The first premiums are due April 30, 2026, after the program launches. The premium rate will be based on the wages paid between January 1, 2026, through March 31, 2026.
For more information visit the following page: Minnesota PFML Employers Premiums
PFML Timeline
Employers have been navigating a series of compliance milestones:
Completed: Quarterly wage reporting began in 2024
Immediate Priority: Workplace notice due December 1, 2025
Final Preparation: Program launch January 1, 2026
The employer portal system facilitates these administrative processes, providing a centralized platform for managing compliance requirements and employee information.
Overview of Employee Eligibility and Benefits
Workers become eligible for PFML benefits after earning at least 5.3% of Minnesota’s average annual wage, which is about $3,700, during a 12-month period. Employees who plan to use PFML must provide their employers with 30 days' advance notice whenever possible. While emergency situations may not allow for such advance planning, the standard expectation is proactive communication to facilitate workplace coverage and continuity.
The program will compensate employees based on their average weekly earnings, with specific benefit amounts determined through a state-administered calculation system. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development has provided a calculator to help estimate what the potential compensation level is.
The successful implementation of Minnesota's PFML program requires proactive preparation from all stakeholders. Employers who prioritize compliance – particularly the critical December 1st posting deadline – will be best positioned when the program begins.Less than three months remain until Minnesota's Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program launches on January 1, 2026, and employers and employees across the state are preparing for the expansion of workplace benefits. PFML will provide workers with up to twelve weeks of paid medical leave, and up to twelve weeks of paid family leave, capping at a total of twenty weeks off.
Upcoming Presentations
To help business owners prepare, Attorney Annie DuBose of Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC and HR Consultant Gina Lemon of Vivid Joy HR are hosting a series of free, educational info sessions this fall.
These short, practical webinars will help Minnesota employers understand what’s changing, what decisions need to be made before 2026, and how to implement the new requirements with confidence.
Upcoming Free Sessions:
Tuesday, November 4 (12–1 PM): For small firm & solo attorneys (1.0 CLE credit pending)
Thursday, November 20 (4-5 PM): For Minnesota small and midsize business owners, HR professionals, managers, and payroll/operations leaders
Tuesday, December 2 (12–1 PM): For Minnesota employers & small business owners
Register here: PFML Presentations
Questions? Contact Annie at adubose@zmattorneys.com.
This article provides general information on employment law matters and should not be relied upon as legal advice. A qualified attorney must analyze all relevant facts and apply the applicable law to any matter before legal advice can be given.
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