Paid Leave Applications Open Early for Workers and Families Statewide

Early launch reflects program readiness and gives Minnesotans more time to prepare to take leave.

St. Paul, MN — The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today announced that Paid Leave applications will open early for workers and families statewide.

Paid Leave encourages eligible Minnesotans to apply for all types of leave on Wednesday, December 31 – one day before the scheduled launch – for leaves beginning in the new year. The program’s early launch allows Minnesotans to get a jumpstart on applying for this new benefit program. It comes after more than two and a half years of program design, construction and testing to ensure an effective, functional launch.

“We are proud to launch Paid Leave early – delivering on the promise of a new benefit program that helps Minnesotans take care of ourselves and the ones we love,” said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. “Since Governor Walz signed Paid Leave into law in 2023, our team has worked diligently and enthusiastically to create the best Paid Leave program in America, and I believe we have done so.”

Beginning January 1, 2026, Minnesotans can take Paid Leave to care for themselves or their loved ones. The Paid Leave law created a statewide paid family and medical leave program providing eligible workers paid, job-protected time off for major life events like welcoming a child or caring for themselves or a family member.

Leave cannot start until January 1, but completing applications early will give Minnesotans and their employers time to plan and prepare for Paid Leave in the new year. In early December, Paid Leave opened applications to Minnesotans who welcomed a child in 2025. More than 7,000 Minnesotans have applied already for leave to begin in 2026.

“I am proud of the work we have done to build Paid Leave the right way, so it works for everyone who needs it,” said Paid Leave Director Greg Norfleet. “That includes partnering with Minnesota employers, health care providers and applicants to test and improve this program so it works effectively for all Minnesotans.”

How to Apply

Minnesota workers may apply for Paid Leave on December 31. Visit paidleave.mn.gov to apply and to learn more about eligibility and benefits.

To reach the Paid Leave Contact Center by phone, call 651-556-7777 or 844-556-0444 (toll-free) Mon.-Fri. From 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed during state holidays, including New Year’s Day).

About Minnesota Paid Leave

Minnesota Paid Leave is a statewide program administered by DEED. Paid Leave makes it possible for Minnesotans to care for themselves and their families during life’s most important moments.

DEED is the state’s principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development. Find out how DEED delivers for Minnesota by visiting the DEED website,  JoinUsMn.com, CareerForceMN.com or follow us on X.

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Upon request, this information can be made available in alternate formats for people with disabilities by contacting the DEED Communications Office at 651-259-7161.