By: HUB's Absence Management Team

Summary: Updates from Minnesota

As the weather is cooling down, Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave (MN PFML) is heating up! The state released some helpful information regarding their new program.

  • The state released an online calculator that employees can utilize to estimate how much they could receive in benefits from the program. It can be found by going to this link: online payment calculator.
  • The phone line for questions regarding the program was recently opened. The MN PFML department can be reached 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on state holidays at 844-556-0444.
  • The state released an employer checklist webpage that can be found by going here: new checklist to help employers prepare.
    • This web page provides helpful tools to ensure you are meeting the requirements to notify existing employees by December 1, 2025. There is an associated fine of $50 for the first violation (per employee) and $300 for subsequent violations for not following the notification guidelines.

Compliance Considerations: Action Items

To ensure you are ready for the start of MN PFML benefits on January 1, 2026, here are some items you may want to consider:

  • Confirm Employee Coverage: Review your employee census to ensure you do not have any Minnesota-based employees. Except for limited exceptions (e.g., federal employees), all employers with Minnesota employees — regardless of size — are covered under the program.
  • Private Plan: Instead of using the state program, consider whether a private plan may be a better fit for your employee population. Please note that the recommended submission deadline for plans effective January 1, 2026, is approaching in November.
  • Set Up Accounts: Establish both your Employer Account and Paid Leave Administrator Account through the state system.
  • Post Required Notices: Use the official state website to print and display all required posters and employee notification forms.
  • Prepare for Payroll Deductions: For the state plan, coordinate with your payroll administrator to implement the MN PFML payroll deductions beginning with the first payroll in 2026. Employee contributions are capped at 0.44% of wages.
  • Review Benefit Integration: If applicable, determine how MN PFML benefits will coordinate with your existing disability or paid leave programs, and update policy documents accordingly.
    • If your benefits are offset by MN PFML, request documentation or examples from your vendor(s) showing how their systems are updated for accuracy.
  • Update Leave Processes: Ensure employees understand where and how to apply for MN PFML benefits. For instance, confirm your leave vendor provides clear instructions and supporting documentation for state applications.
  • Establish Top-Off Procedures: If you plan to allow employees to supplement MN PFML benefits with paid time off or other earnings (“top-off” pay), confirm you have accurate systems or processes in place to calculate this.
  • Train Leadership: Provide training for supervisors and HR partners. MN PFML can provide more job-protected leave than FMLA, so it’s important that leaders understand the duration and protections available under this program.

Official Resources

For more information regarding MN PFML visit:

If you have any questions, please contact your HUB Advisor. We will continue to monitor and provide updates as more information becomes available. View more Workforce Absence Management updates in our WAM Bulletins page.

NOTICE OF DISCLAIMER
Neither HUB International Limited nor any of its affiliated companies is a law or accounting firm, and therefore, they cannot provide legal or tax advice. The information herein is provided for general information only and is not intended to constitute legal or tax advice as to an organization’s specific circumstances. You should consult an attorney, accountant or other legal or tax professional regarding the application of the general information provided here to your organization’s specific situation in light of your organization’s particular needs.