The Economic Times

$1,153 payments are going out this week to thousands of Americans heres the reason and who qualifies

Minnesota launched its historic Paid Family and Medical Leave program on January 1, 2026. This week, the first 2,600 approved workers received weekly payments averaging $1,153. Over 25,000 residents applied immediately, with a 66% approval rate so far. Funded by a 0.88% payroll tax, the program expects 130,000 claims this year. These benefits provide vital wage replacement for medical recovery, newborn bonding, or family caregiving across the state.