LeaveCalc / State paid leave / Minnesota weekly benefit calculator

NEW — paying benefits since Jan 1, 2026

Minnesota Paid Leave calculator

Minnesota's Paid Leave program is brand new — the state started paying benefits on January 1, 2026. Enter your gross wage and instantly estimate your weekly benefit under the tiered replacement formula, plus the 2026 maximum.

✓ Free ✓ Runs in your browser — nothing is uploaded ✓ 2026 figures ↗ Official source: pl.mn.gov

1 Your wage

Based on the Minnesota Paid Leave tiered formula for the 2026 benefit year, using the state average weekly wage (SAWW). Your actual benefit is set by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) using your highest-earning quarter, not a single wage figure.

Not legal or benefits advice. Estimates only — the official program calculator is authoritative. See pl.mn.gov.
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How the Minnesota Paid Leave weekly benefit is calculated

Minnesota Paid Leave is a brand-new state program — premiums started being collected in 2025, and the first benefits were paid starting January 1, 2026. It replaces part of your wages while you're on approved family or medical leave. For 2026, Minnesota's state average weekly wage (SAWW) is $1,423. If you searched pl.mn.gov for a calculator to see how much you'll get, this page runs the same tiered math instantly. The formula is tiered in three steps, so lower earners get a higher replacement rate:

The formula. 90% of your average weekly wage (AWW) up to 50% of the SAWW ($711.50); plus 66% of the portion of your AWW between $711.50 and $1,423 (100% of SAWW); plus 55% of any portion above $1,423. However you slice it, the weekly benefit is capped at $1,423/week for 2026 — the state average weekly wage itself.

How long does the benefit last?

Minnesota Paid Leave provides up to 12 weeks of medical leave (for your own serious health condition, including pregnancy and childbirth recovery) and up to 12 weeks of family leave (bonding, caring for a family member, military exigency, or safety leave). You can use both in the same benefit year, but combined leave is capped at 20 weeks total.

Minnesota Paid Leave FAQ (2026)

How much will I get from Minnesota Paid Leave?

Minnesota uses a three-tier formula: 90% of your average weekly wage up to $711.50, plus 66% of the amount between $711.50 and $1,423, plus 55% of anything above that. However it's calculated, your weekly benefit can't exceed $1,423 — the 2026 state average weekly wage itself.

Is Minnesota Paid Leave really new?

Yes. Unlike Washington, California, or New Jersey, Minnesota's program only began paying benefits on January 1, 2026. Employer and employee premium contributions started in 2025 to fund it.

Who is eligible for Minnesota Paid Leave?

You need to have earned at least $3,900 in wages — about 5.3% of the state's average annual wage — from a covered Minnesota employer during your base period, the four completed calendar quarters before your claim. This can come from one job or be combined across multiple employers. See pl.mn.gov for the exact thresholds.

Is the benefit taxable?

Paid Leave benefits are generally expected to be treated as taxable income for federal purposes, similar to other state paid-leave programs, but confirm current guidance with the IRS or a tax professional.