Minnesota’s Family & Medical Leave Insurance (MN PFML)

What Is MN PFML?

Minnesota’s Family & Medical Leave Insurance is the state‑mandated program that provides eligible employees with partially paid time off for up to 12 weeks for paid family or paid medical leave benefits and a total combined entitlement of 20 weeks per benefit year.

Eligible reasons for MN PFML benefits include:

• The employee’s own serious health condition
  • Including complications to pregnancy and/or childbirth
• Bonding leave to care for a new child, including birth, adoption, or foster placement
• Caring for a family member with a serious health condition, including a:
  • Child, spouse, sibling, parent/in-laws
  • Grandparent or grandchild
  • Other individuals with a personal relationship to the employee that creates an expectation and reliance for the employee to care for the individual without compensation.
• Qualifying military exigency
• Safe for the employee or family member who is experiencing domestic abuse/violence, sexual assault/abuse or stalking.

There is not a ‘waiting period’ for MN PFML, however the qualifying event must last at least 7 calendar days, excluding bonding and safe leave claims.

What Is The Weekly Paid Benefit Under MN PFML?

In 2026, the maximum weekly benefit is $1,423

MN PFML’s maximum weekly benefit is the state’s average weekly wage (SAWW). Annual updates effective the last Sunday in October annually.

The benefit calculation is tiered so that lower wage earners receive a higher wage replacement benefit. Below are the steps needed to calculate the individual’s benefit payment.

1. Calculate the employee’s average weekly wage (AWW)
   • Take the highest quarter in the base period divided by 13
2. Calculate weekly benefit

Is MN PFML Job‑Protected?

Yes. MN PFML provides job protection when the employee has worked for their employer 90 days. It may run concurrently with the laws below, depending on employee eligibility.

• Federal FMLA – Family & Medical Leave Act
• MN PPL – Minnesota Pregnancy & Parental Act
• WC - Workers' Compensation

Which Employers Are Required To Provide MN PFML?

Most private employers with one or more covered individual working in Minnesota are covered under MN PFML and must provide benefits.

This requirement includes businesses with:

• Employees working in Minnesota (not resident state)
• Remote workers whose work is based in Minnesota

Special rules for seasonal hospitality employment.

• Limited to the Hospitality industry
• Employers whose revenue is generated within six months of a year and can provide monthly receipts to reflect the 6 highest gross sales are 3x higher than receipts in the 6 lowest months may request a ‘Seasonal Hospitality Employer Designation’ and be exempt from the program.

The MN PFML definition of employer does not include:

• The federal government or tribal nations

How Much Does MN PFML Cost?

MN PFML Public Plan

• Contributions may be adjusted annually
• Payroll is capped at the Social Security wage base rounded to the nearest thousandth ($185,000 in 2026). The Social Security wage base is published annually in October.
• MN allows the PFL and PML coverages to be split and therefore each has its own contribution rate. In 2026 the rates are: 0.61% PML and 0.27% PFL.
• Contributions may be split 50/50 between employer and employee‑paid via payroll deduction
• Small employers with <30 Minnesota employees and an Employer average weekly wage less than or equal to 150% of the state’s AWW, the rate is 75% of the regular rate. The employees can fund 0.44% and the employer’s cost is 22%

Private Plan Alternative

• Equivalent private plans are individually underwritten
• Payroll deductions may be used but cannot exceed the public plan cost for employees. For 2026, that is 0.44%

What Is A MN PFML Private Plan?

When Minnesota employers register with the state, they are automatically enrolled in the MN Paid Leave Public Plan. However, employers may instead comply through a state‑approved equivalent private plan.

A MN PFML equivalent private plan may be either fully insured or self‑insured and must:

• Provide the same or better benefits as the public plan
• Offer equal rights and protections to employees
• Cost employees no more than the state plan payroll deduction

The DBL Center works with a network of approved private plan carriers that offer compliant and cost‑effective solutions.

What Are The Advantages Of A Private Plan?

Here are the top 3 advantages for Minnesota employers who are considering an equivalent private plan for their MN PFML compliance needs:

1. Potential cost savings
   • Since the private plan is individually underwritten, like other insured employer benefit coverages, premium rates may be less than the state’s rate.
   • Employers receive an exemption from contributing to the state PFML fund
2. Improved claims experience
   • Access to dedicated claims professionals instead of call centers
   • Faster claims turnaround times and claim support
3. Employer‑level absence reporting
   • Visibility into claim status and approved leave dates
   • Especially helpful for tracking leaves taken intermittently

How Do I Apply For A Private Plan?

The DBL Center team supports both you and your clients throughout the entire private plan process.

Step 1: Request a Private Plan Quote
We compare private plan pricing, benefits, and service levels against the state public plan.

Required census details include:

• All Minnesota employees
• Gender
• Employment status (full‑time, part‑time, seasonal)
• Individual’s age
• Total Minnesota wages (including overtime and bonuses)

Step 2: Select an Insurance Carrier

• A MN PFML Policy will be issued.

Step 3: Apply for the State Exemption
Using the same site as your initial employer registration, you can apply for a private plan. Log in | Paid Leave. Your PFML Administrator will be able to apply for the private plan tax exemption.

• This is the same portal used for public plan administration.
• A private plan application fee will be applied
• The state will issue:
  • Approval confirmation
  • Contribution exemption effective date
• Private plan approvals and contribution exemptions are automatically renewed annually

Best Practice – MN PFML private plans are effective the 1^st of the new quarter. Applying for your private plan needs time for your state to approve:

Why Choose DBL Center?

The DBL Center has 40 years of experience in state‑mandated disability and leave programs. Our experts are here to answer questions about the state leave laws and private plan solutions. Let us be your trusted partner for navigating complex PFML requirements on behalf of our clients.

We provide:

• Access to competitive, compliant private plan options
• Strategic views of state mandated benefits
• Ongoing service and support beyond the initial sale, through implementations and renewals
• Net Revenue Tracker enabling Broker access to their renewals, cancellations, and book of business from anywhere.

Our goal is to deliver cost‑effective solutions with a seamless experience for both employers and employees.