Minnesota Paid Leave Program Faces Application Delays 10 Months Post-Launch
In Minneapolis-St. Paul, over 10 months after its launch, Minnesota's Paid Leave program is reportedly experiencing application delays. The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) attributes these delays to errors or incomplete information submitted by applicants, which can significantly…
Minneapolis St. Paul, MN, November 6, 2026 — The Minnesota Paid Leave program, launched over 10 months ago in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, is currently experiencing reported delays in processing applications. Officials cite errors and incomplete information provided by applicants as the primary reasons for the extended review and approval timelines.
The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has stated that application backlogs are largely due to submissions containing mistakes or missing necessary details. These omissions can significantly lengthen the process required to verify eligibility and disburse benefits.
The delays have the potential to create financial strain for individuals who are relying on the paid leave benefits. In one instance highlighted, an applicant reportedly waited for six months to receive full payment for their leave after an error was identified on their initial application.
The specific nature of the errors or the exact volume of delayed applications was not detailed. DEED’s assessment indicates a pattern where applicant-submitted information is the critical factor influencing the duration of the approval process. Further details on corrective measures or timelines for addressing the current delays were not provided.
Story summarized from the original created by Ashley Halbach on kstp.com, see more information here.
Media gallery
