Starting January 1, 2026, Minnesota workers will be able to take paid time off to care for themselves or their loved ones when they need it most—without the fear of losing their job or financial security.

This new Paid Family and Medical Leave law is a response to a growing need faced by 530,000 adults across the state who provide unpaid care for parents, spouses, children, or other loved ones. These family caregivers are taking on everything— from bathing and meal prep to managing medications and handling doctor visits. Nearly three in four are juggling caregiving duties and a full- or part-time job.

Family caregivers are holding up a broken long-term care system, providing an estimated $10 billion in unpaid labor each year in Minnesota alone. They sacrifice their time and financial stability to be there for the people they love every day. AARP Minnesota and thousands of family caregivers advocated for the new state law to make their dedication less painful and costly. Their stories of exhaustion, financial strain, and missed final moments made it clear the system had to change.

The new law will offer up to 20 weeks of paid time off each year for major life events like recovering from a serious illness or caring for a loved one. Most employees— whether full-time, part-time, temporary, or seasonal—will qualify after they’re on the job for 90 days and have earned a minimum salary. The State of Minnesota will pay them between 55% and 90% of their average weekly wages during leave, but not more than the state’s average weekly wage, and their jobs will be protected when they return.

“My mom being in hospice, we had reached a point to where we just didn’t have time to take away from work. She died alone. No one was by her bedside. If my siblings and I would have had paid leave, we would have been there with her. It’s gut wrenching.”

—Toni, Minnesota family caregiver

With this new program, employers can support their team without carrying the full burden alone. Paid Leave will be funded through a payroll premium shared between employers and employees. The law considers the needs of small businesses, including reduced premium rates and grants to help cover costs while employees are unable to work.

AARP Minnesota championed Paid Family and Medical Leave to support working families, keep caregivers in the workforce, and ease pressure on long-term care systems. Now, we’re here to help Minnesota employers understand what’s changing to support family caregivers and how to communicate these new benefits clearly to employees.

Learn more about the new state law and how you can start preparing at aarp.org/MNPaidLeaveBiz