Minnesota Paid Leave Calculator

Minnesota Paid Leave launches in 2026 as the state's first universal paid family and medical leave program. The total contribution rate is 0.88% of wages for employers with 30 or more employees, with a reduced 0.66% rate for smaller employers. Costs are split between employer and employee, with the employee share capped at half the total.

2026 Minnesota Paid Leave Rates

Large employers (30+ employees) pay the full 0.88% — split into 0.44% employer and 0.44% employee shares. Small employers (under 30) qualify for a reduced 0.66% rate and may also receive grants to offset administrative costs. Contributions cap at the Social Security taxable wage base of $176,100 for 2026, making the employee maximum about $774.84 per year at the full rate.

How the Weekly Benefit Is Calculated

Minnesota uses a tiered formula: 90% replacement of your average weekly wage up to 50% of the state average weekly wage (SAWW), then 66% of any wages above that threshold. This formula gives lower-wage workers a much higher replacement rate while still providing meaningful coverage for middle and higher earners. Benefits are paid weekly directly from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Leave Duration and Eligibility

Workers can take up to 12 weeks of family leave (bonding, caregiving, safety leave) or up to 12 weeks of medical leave, with a combined maximum of 20 weeks per benefit year. To qualify, you must have earned at least 5.3% of the state average annual wage from any Minnesota employer in the four-quarter base period. Self-employed Minnesotans can opt in voluntarily.

Last updated May 2026. Source: Minnesota Paid Leave Division.