12,000 Minnesotans Apply for New Paid Family Leave Program, DEED Reports

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12,000 Minnesotans Apply for New Paid Family Leave Program, DEED Reports

In a significant development, approximately 12,000 Minnesotans have applied for the state’s newly established paid family leave program. This program was officially launched recently, following the opening of applications earlier in the week.

Overview of the Paid Family Leave Program

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) reports that, as of the latest update, 11,883 applications have been submitted. The department has reviewed 6,393 of these requests. Commissioner Matt Varilek emphasized the strong interest in the program, stating, “This shows just how motivated people are to engage with this new program.”

Benefits of the Program

Employees can receive up to 12 weeks of partial pay.
The leave is available for various medical reasons, including:

Bonding with a newborn.
Caring for a sick family member.

The leave is capped at 20 weeks per year for those utilizing both benefits.
Eligibility extends to military families and issues related to personal safety.

Application Details

Governor Tim Walz signed the bill creating this program during the 2023 legislative session, marking a significant step for Minnesota. The state now joins 13 other states and the District of Columbia with similar paid family leave laws.

As of the latest count, Minnesota has approved 4,005 applications. However, 2,044 cases were either denied or canceled. Most denials stem from a lack of proper documentation or the existence of equivalent benefits provided by employers.

Future Projections

DEED anticipates approving around 130,000 claims from Minnesotans throughout this year. This initiative aims to support employees during crucial family moments while ensuring financial stability.

Conclusion

The launch of the paid family leave program in Minnesota reflects a growing recognition of the importance of family support during significant life events. As more people engage with this new program, its impact on the community is expected to be profound.