Almost 12,000 Minnesotans have applied for the state’s new paid leave program since applications opened earlier this week, according to the Department of Employment and Economic Development.

The process for bonding leave for new parents began in early December. As of Friday morning 11,883 people have submitted applications, according to DEED. Of those, the state has completed reviews of 6,393 leaves.

The paid leave program was passed by the DFL-controlled Legislature in 2023. It allows employees to take up to 20 weeks off work each year. It’s funded through a payroll tax paid for by workers and employers though initial costs were seeded by $668 million from the historic $18 billion state revenue surplus. Minnesota now joins 12 other states in offering such a program.

For more information on how it works go to twincities.com/2025/10/04/mn-paid-family-medical-leave-program-jan-1-how-will-it-work/.

Critics of the proposal — such as the National Federation of Independent Business and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce — have worried it will cost much more than initially estimated.

Washington State has seen the costs of its program grow beyond expectations. In September, an actuarial report found the program could face a $346 million deficit by 2029 and a nearly $1 billion deficit by 2030 under the current tax rate limits.

However, Greg Norfleet, the chief architect of the program at DEED, has said he is confident that Minnesota’s system will work as intended. Norfleet developed a similar program for Massachusetts.

Matt Varilek, DEED commissioner, said the initial nearly 12,000 applications shows how popular the program is among Minnesotans. The initial launch was going well, Varilek said in a statement Friday.

“Our website is managing traffic well and our contact center team is prepared to answer questions from Minnesotans who need assistance,” Varilek said. “We’re proud and excited to implement this program for Minnesota.”

Based on projections from an independent actuary, DEED expects about 130,000 approved claims in the first year of the program.

How to apply

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MN paid leave applications open early statewide. Here’s how to apply.

Minnesota workers may apply for paid leave on Wednesday, Dec. 31. Go to paidleave.mn.gov to apply and to learn more about eligibility and benefits.

To call the paid leave contact center dial (651) 556-7777 or (844) 556-0444 (toll-free) from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. It will be closed during state holidays.