• Physical or mental incapacity to perform the functions of your job due to a serious medical condition as defined by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), with physician certification,
• Dependent care of employee’s child(ren), spouse, or parent due to a serious medical condition as defined by the FMLA, with physician certification, whether or not the employee is covered by FMLA.
• Birth or Adoption of child(ren).
• Enlistment in military service.
• Applicable leaves granted under MN Statutes.
• Other grantable leaves as cited in your corresponding bargaining unit master agreement. 

The District maintains the right to determine the start or end date of the leave, based on the best interests of students, programs, and/or the District, within the parameters of applicable medical certification.

• There are no pay provisions under the FMLA.
• If you are on an approved leave of absence, you are required to use all earned and accrued paid leave time with the District, as applicable.
  • For example, Sick Leave pay may not be used for discretionary leaves of absence such as childcare, while vacation time is applicable for such leaves.

• If you are receiving pay during an approved leave of absence, you will qualify for the employer-paid portion towards all of your coverages for as long as pay continues. Your portion due towards your coverages will continue to be deducted from your paycheck, and your benefits will continue uninterrupted.
• If you are on an approved leave of absence protected under FMLA, and not receiving pay during the FMLA coverage period, your benefits will continue uninterrupted, and the employer-paid portion towards your medical, dental, and LTD coverages will continue. You are responsible to pay your portion of the medical and/or dental premiums and the full cost of the premiums for group life insurance and any supplemental coverages during any unpaid time.
• Once pay ends (and when FMLA protection expires, if applicable), the employer-paid portion towards your coverages ceases, and you may be eligible for COBRA continuation coverage. Under COBRA, you are responsible for the full cost of any continued coverages while on extended unpaid leave.
• Normally, for an approved leave, any premiums due from you during the absence period would be collected from the last pay deposit before going into unpaid status. Any remaining premiums due typically will be collected after return from leave or can be made via check payable to ISD 728.

 

 

• The collectively-bargained agreements (master contracts) contain provisions for the usage of sick leave and paid time off. 
• Some master contracts provide for allocation of the annual sick and/or vacation leave allotment at the beginning of the fiscal year. This time is advanced upfront, but actually earned as the year progresses.
• Usage of relevant earned leave time during a leave of absence is required and will automatically be applied to contracted days falling during the period of absence. Correspondence regarding usage of leave time will be mailed to the employee's home address upon submission of an official leave request. 

 

INFORMATION VIDEO

     MN Paid Leave Mandatory Poster (English)

     MN Paid Leave Mandatory Poster (Spanish)

     MN Paid Leave Mandatory Poster (Russian)

LINK TO MN PAID LEAVE APPLICATION

Minnesota Paid Leave provides payments and job protections when you need time off to care for yourself or your family.

Before applying for the MN Paid Leave, please be sure to complete the district's Leave of Absence Request form.

You can take leave for the following qualifying events:

 Medical Leave: 

• To care for your own serious health condition, including care related to pregnancy, childbirth, and recovery 

Family Leave: 

• Bonding Leave – to care for and bond with a child welcomed through birth, adoption, or foster placement 
• Caring Leave – to care for a family member with a serious health condition 
• Military Family Leave – to support a family member called to active duty 
• Safety Leave – to respond to issues related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking for yourself or a family member 

Am I covered by Paid Leave? 

Most workers in Minnesota are covered by Paid Leave. You are covered no matter the size of your employer, or the hours or days you work. Independent contractors and self-employed individuals are not automatically covered, but may opt in. You may qualify for payments if you’ve been paid a minimum amount for work in Minnesota in the last year ($3,900 for the start of Paid Leave in 2026).

What are my employment protections? 

• Job protections: Generally, you must be restored to your job or an equivalent position when returning from leave. Job protections take effect 90 days after your date of hire. 
• Health insurance continuation: Generally, employers must continue to fund their portion of healthcare insurance and other group insurance premiums while you are on leave. You will be responsible for any portion of health insurance and other group insurance premiums that you pay.
• No retaliation or interference: Employers must not interfere with or retaliate against you if you apply for or use Paid Leave. Employers cannot take your Paid Leave payments.

For inquiries related to Paid Leave, please contact Minnesota Paid Leave at 651-556-7777 or visit our website. If you think your employer is violating employment protections, contact the Labor Standards Division at the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.

Who pays for Paid Leave? 

Paid Leave is funded by premiums paid by employees and employers. The initial premium rate is 0.88% of wages up to the cap set by Social Security’s Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program (currently $185,000). Your employer may deduct up to 0.44% of your wages to fund your portion of the premium.  This total premium covers both Medical Leave (0.61%) and Family Leave (0.27%).

Employers are responsible for sending premiums to Paid Leave on behalf of all employees. 

Your premium contributions are: 

 

 

How do I take Paid Leave?

1. Notify your employer.
2. Apply with Paid Leave. You will be able to apply for Paid Leave at paidleave.mn.gov. You can also apply over the phone if needed. 

After you apply, you will receive a determination from Paid Leave, which is the official decision from the program about whether your application was approved or denied. 

If you are approved for Paid Leave payments, they will be sent to the bank account or prepaid debit card selected in your application.

Learn more

Visit paidleave.mn.gov to apply or for more information about Paid Leave, including calculators to help you estimate your premium costs and the payments you could receive under Paid Leave. 

Other ways to reach us

Phone: 651-556-7777 or 844-556-0444 (toll free). E-mail: paidleave@state.mn.us

Mail:  Department of Employment and Economic Development, Paid Leave Division
180 E 5^th Street, 12^th Floor, Saint Paul, MN 

Information is available in alternative formats for people with disabilities by using the contact information listed above.