Paid Leave is a new program launching for Minnesotans in 2026. It provides paid time off when a serious health condition prevents a worker from working, when they need time to care for a family member or a new child, for certain military-related events or for certain personal safety issues.

Paid Leave benefits will be funded by premiums paid by both employers and workers. Paid Leave requires that employers submit a quarterly wage detail report – just like they do for UI – and pay Paid Leave Premiums quarterly – just like they do for UI.

The first Minnesota Paid Leave deadline is approaching for employers. To determine eligibility and benefit payments for Minnesotans when Paid Leave launches in January 2026, all Minnesota employers need to begin submitting wage details for their employees by October 31, 2024. Paid Leave will use the same online reporting system as Unemployment Insurance (UI) to make things easier for employers.

No additional steps are needed from Minnesota employers if all of their employees are covered by UI, as the same account and quarterly wage detail reports will serve for Paid Leave. If an employer has some or all of their employees not covered by UI, they may need to create an account to submit wage details by October 31, 2024.

Here are some FAQs about the upcoming wage detail reporting deadline:

Lori Reich, CPP and Payroll Manager, shares some key takeaways to consider:

Upcoming Paid Leave Deadline:

• Minnesota businesses need to be aware of the fast-approaching deadline for compliance with the state’s paid leave requirements.
• Employers must ensure their policies align with the new regulations to avoid potential penalties.

Policy and Procedure Adjustments:

• Companies should review and, if necessary, revise their current leave policies to incorporate the changes mandated by the new law.
• It is crucial for employers to communicate these changes clearly to their employees to ensure understanding and compliance.

Employee Rights and Benefits:

• The new regulations aim to enhance employee benefits, providing them with more robust paid leave options.
• Understanding these benefits will help employees plan better for their personal and family needs, fostering a more supportive work environment.

For More Information

You can find FAQs for employers, individuals, and families on the Minnesota DEED website.

To register your Paid Leave Only or joint UI and Paid Leave account to prepare for wage detail reporting, visit the Unemployment Insurance website.

If you need help registering your Paid Leave Only or joint UI and Paid Leave account for wage detail reporting, contact the Unemployment Insurance employer helpline.

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