Minnesota Sick and Safe Time
PFMLMinnesota Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) is a state law effective January 1, 2024, requiring all Minnesota employers to provide paid time off for illness, safety concerns, and certain emergencies. Employees earn 1 hour of sick and safe time for every 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year. Time can be used for the employee's own illness or medical appointments, caring for a sick family member, domestic abuse or stalking situations, and closures due to weather or public health emergencies. Employees can begin using accrued time after 90 days of employment. ESST is separate from Minnesota PFML—ESST covers short-term needs like doctor appointments or the flu, while PFML provides longer-term leave (up to 20 weeks) for serious health conditions. Employers must comply with both laws.
Related Terms
PFML Medical Leave
Leave taken for an employee's own serious health condition under Minnesota PFML, including medical care related to pregnancy, childbirth, recovery, or any condition lasting more than seven days requiring treatment by a healthcare provider.
Safety Leave
Leave taken under Minnesota PFML due to domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking affecting the employee or their family member. Can be used to seek medical attention, obtain victim services, seek counseling, relocate, or take legal action.
Leave of Absence
A leave of absence (LOA) is an approved period of time away from work during which an employee maintains their job status but is not actively working. Leave can be paid or unpaid depending on the type, employer policy, and state law. Common types include medical leave for your own health condition, family leave to care for a relative, parental leave for bonding with a new child, military leave, and personal leave. Under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave annually. Minnesota's Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program, launching in 2026, provides partial wage replacement of up to $1,473 per week for up to 20 weeks of combined family and medical leave. Employees typically must provide advance notice and documentation, such as medical certification from a healthcare provider, to qualify for protected leave.
Family Care Leave
Leave taken to care for a family member with a serious health condition under Minnesota PFML. This includes caring for a spouse, domestic partner, child, parent, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, or other close relations.
More PFML Terms
Base Period (PFML)
The most recent four completed calendar quarters before the effective date of an application for Minnesota PFML benefits. Used to determine wage credits and financial eligibility for benefits.
Benefit Year (PFML)
A 52-week period starting from the effective date of leave, during which an eligible employee can take up to 12 weeks of family leave, 12 weeks of medical leave, or a combined maximum of 20 weeks of leave under Minnesota's Paid Family and Medical Leave program.
Bonding Leave
Time spent by a parent with a biological, adopted, or foster child in connection with the child's birth, adoption, or placement. Must be taken within 12 months of the event. Employees can take up to 12 weeks of bonding leave under Minnesota PFML.
Covered Employment (PFML)
Employment that qualifies for Minnesota PFML benefits. Includes full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers. Excludes federal employees, independent contractors (unless opted in), and self-employed individuals (unless opted in).
Effective Date of Leave
The first day of absence associated with an approved Minnesota PFML leave, which determines when the benefit year begins and when leave duration is calculated.
Family Care Leave
Leave taken to care for a family member with a serious health condition under Minnesota PFML. This includes caring for a spouse, domestic partner, child, parent, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, or other close relations.
Understanding Your Benefits Made Easy
Use our tools to navigate Minnesota PFML and health insurance