Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) & Disability Considerations
Note: These Q & As do not apply to any disability coverage embedded in the JC-32 Health and Welfare plan
Q1: Where can I learn about PFML?
A1: Individuals and families / Minnesota Paid Leave
Q2: Where can I learn more about my short & long-term disability Insurance benefits?
A2: To learn about St. Louis County’s disability plans select Coverage, Costs or Forms. To see if you are enrolled visit your Self-Service page to view your current benefit enrollments.
Q3: Am I eligible for PFML?
A3: PFML eligibility is defined by the state. Enrollment is automatic for eligible employees and claims can be filed with the state effective January 1, 2026.
Q4: Am I eligible for short and long-term disability?
Q4: If you averaged at least 18.75 paid hours per week in the prior year you are eligible for the following year for long-term disability as long as you are currently enrolled or after you apply and receive medical underwriting approval. The same applies to short-term disability if you average at least 5 paid hours per week. Note: medical underwriting is being waived for new short-term disability enrollees who apply during open enrollment in November of 2025. Both short and long-term disability can be dropped at any time but would require approval of medical underwriter to add back at a future date.
Q5: How much will PFML pay me if my claim is approved?
A5: The benefit amount is based on your salary and ranges from 55% to 90% of your wage with a maximum of $1423 per week for 2026. You can estimate your potential benefit via the state’s Estimate Paid Leave Calculator.
Q6: How much will my short and long-term disability pay me if my claim is approved?
A6: Both short and long-term disability benefits pay 60% of your base wage minus most other income you are collecting including PFML. However, disability benefits guarantee a minimum benefit of $25/week or $100/month on any approved claim regardless of other income.
Q7: Are my PFML benefits taxable?
A7: Taxes and Paid Leave | Last updated October 1, 2025
Q8: Are my short or long-term disability benefits taxable?
A8: No. You will not pay state, federal or payroll taxes on the monies you collect should you file a claim.
Q9: How will the PFML program be funded, will I pay a cost?
A9: The 2026 premium rate will be 0.88% of your wages. This premium rate will be split between the employee and employer if outlined in your labor agreement or compensation plan. You can estimate your 2026 premium via the state’s Premium Calculator.
Q10: How much will short and long-term disability cost me?
A10: Rates vary based on age and wage. Short-term disability rates will be decreasing significantly in 2026, long-term disability rates will remain the same from 2025 to 2026.
Q11: How long can I collect PFML benefits?
A11: Eligible workers in a single benefit year (benefit year starts the first day you take leave), may take up to 12 weeks of medical leave and 12 weeks of family leave. If you qualify for both leave types, you may take a combined maximum of 20 weeks in one benefit year.
Q12: How long can I collect short and long-term disability benefits?
A12: Short term disability benefits are payable weeks 2 through 12 that you are away from work due to an approved illness or injury. Long-term disability benefits are payable starting on day 90 that you are away from work due to an approved illness or injury and can continue for an extended period even if you leave employment. Disability Coverage details.