5.23 Minnesota Paid Leave Exemption
ISSUE DATE: 02/2026
Parents receiving Minnesota (MN) Paid Leave benefits can take an exemption from participating in employment services.
MN Paid Leave is a state-run insurance program that provides payments and job protections. The program offers 12 weeks of medical leave or 12 weeks of family leave, but no more than 20 weeks combined between the two types of leave each year.
Basic eligibility for MN Paid Leave:
● | Earned at least 5.3% of the state annual wage over the last year. The person does not have to be currently employed. |
● | Work at least 50% of the time in MN. |
● | Covered through the MN Paid Leave program. Self-employed and independent contractors are not automatically covered, but can choose to opt-in by paying the premiums. |
● | Has a qualifying event and includes: · Own serious health condition · Welcoming a child · Caring for a loved one · Supporting a family member’s active duty · Responding to safety concerns like domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. |
If approved for MN Paid Leave, the program will pay a portion of their wages during the leave.
Encourage participants to apply for MN Paid Leave if it appears they may be eligible.
More information about the program is available at Minnesota Paid Leave.
The MN Paid Leave exemption is available to parents who are receiving MN Paid Leave benefits. Parents may choose to take the exemption or not. In two-parent households, if a parent not receiving MN Paid Leave benefits that parent is required to work with employment services.
N/A | Exemption for families receiving MN Paid Leave benefits |
Who qualifies. | The parent that is receiving MN Paid Leave benefit payments. The parent must request for the exemption and provide verification. See 15.3.3 (Holding & Local Flag: Documenting/Tracking). |
For what period. | The exemption begins: · If the participant receives a MN Paid Leave payment, the participant is exempt for the entire month. · At the end of the month in which the last MN Paid Leave payment is received. For example: If the last payment is received in August, the exemption ends and the participant will return to employment services in September. · An earlier month that the participant chooses. |
The time limit for this exemption. | The parent may use the exemption as often as needed, provided they meet the requirements. |
How the policy affects minor parents. | Minor parents (parents younger than 18) cannot have this exemption. |
How this policy intersects with the Child under 12 months old exemption. | If the parent is eligible for both the MN Paid Leave exemption and the Child under 12 months exemption, it is recommended that the parent take the MN Paid Leave exemption before the Child Under 12 months exemption. |
How this policy intersects with Family Stabilization Services (FSS) and Extensions. | Receiving MN Paid Leave benefits alone, is not enough to determine FSS or extension eligibility. Review documentation in the case file to determine if there is sufficient information and verification to meet eligibility requirements. Request and assist with obtaining additional documentation, if appropriate. |
Use the “Holding – MN Paid Leave” activity type for a participant who takes the MN Paid Leave exemption.
● | When the exemption ends, meet with the participant to review or develop a new employment plan. |
● | If the participant is in the Family Stabilization Services track, determine if the previous medical opinion form is still valid or has expired in order to determine if the participant still qualifies for Family Stabilization Services. Request a new medical opinion form if necessary. |
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