Minnesota’s New Paid Leave Program- The Numbers So Far
Minnesota’s new Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) program continues to bring in a significant number of applicants since the program’s inception in January 2026, with nearly 50,000 applications processed and approximately 34,000 individuals approved for benefits as of March 15. According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), roughly two-thirds of applications are being resolved within three weeks. State officials report that the program has been implemented on schedule and within budget, while maintaining safeguards to ensure funds are distributed appropriately.
To support timely processing, applicants are encouraged to coordinate closely with their employers regarding leave schedules and available benefits, complete all required certification documentation, and ensure that applications are accurate and fully submitted. Delays are most commonly associated with fraud prevention reviews, incomplete or inconsistent information, the need for additional verification from applicants, employers, or healthcare providers. Prompt responses to information requests can help minimize processing time. Minnesota’s Paid Leave program is a statewide initiative designed to provide eligible workers with up to 12 weeks of paid, job-protected leave for family or medical reasons, with a combined maximum of 20 weeks for those qualifying for both in a single benefit year. Minnesota is currently one of 13 states in the nation to offer paid family and medical leave.
Minnesota Updates on Renter’s Credit and Property Tax Refund
Recent updates to Minnesota’s property tax relief programs include several important clarifications for both the Renter’s Credit and the Homestead Credit Refund. For renters, non-taxable income and dependent income are no longer included in the calculation of household income, which may increase eligibility for some taxpayers. Additionally, qualified individuals may now claim the Renter’s Credit on behalf of a decedent. Administrative updates include the assignment of Electronic Control Numbers (ECNs) to Certificates of Rent Paid (CRPs) submitted through e-Services, and the potential for Rent Paid Affidavits to be requested as early as February 1.
For homeowners, particularly those with mobile homes, it is important to note that they must apply for the Homestead Credit Refund rather than the Renter’s Credit. These taxpayers should wait to file until they receive their annual property tax statement, and must include any CRP for lot rent on the same Form M1PR. Similar to the renter provisions, dependent income—including non-taxable amounts such as scholarships or grants—is excluded from household income calculations.
An additional enhancement to the Homestead Credit Refund process is the use of Schedule M1PR-SR to determine eligibility for the Special Refund. Notably, there are no income limitations for claiming this refund, which may provide broader access to relief for qualifying taxpayers. Collectively, these updates reflect ongoing efforts to simplify administration and expand access to property tax relief benefits. For homeowners that are eligible for a property tax refund, Form M1PR is now available to be electronically filed to the Minnesota Department of Revenue as of March 15.
IRS Reports Significant Refunds Unclaimed for Tax Year 2022
The Internal Revenue Service has announced that more than 1.3 million taxpayers may be owed a combined $1.2 billion in unclaimed federal income tax refunds for tax year 2022. Taxpayers have until April 15, 2026, to file their 2022 returns and claim these funds, as the law generally provides a three-year window for refund claims. After this deadline, any unclaimed refunds become property of the U.S. Treasury. The estimated median refund is $686, though the IRS notes that total potential benefits could be higher depending on individual circumstances.
In addition to standard refunds, many low- and moderate-income taxpayers may still qualify for valuable credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which was worth up to $6,935 for eligible individuals in 2022. The IRS also cautions that refunds may be delayed if taxpayers have not filed returns for subsequent years, including 2023 and 2024, and any refund amounts may be applied to outstanding federal or state debts. Taxpayers who have not yet filed their 2022 return should consider doing so promptly to secure any potential benefits.
U.S. Postal Service Plans Postage Hike Amid Rising Fuel Costs
The United States Postal Service has proposed an 8% increase to base postage rates to address rising operational costs, including fuel expenses. If approved, the temporary adjustment would take effect April 26 and remain in place through January 2027, impacting services such as Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, and Parcel Select. The agency emphasized that, unlike competitors who have added surcharges, it has sought to keep pricing changes straightforward while ensuring costs are adequately covered.
The proposal follows comments from Postmaster General David Steiner regarding ongoing financial challenges and declining mail usage. He has also suggested raising the price of a first-class stamp from $0.78 to $0.95, while noting U.S. postage remains relatively low internationally. These efforts are part of a broader 10-year modernization and cost-reduction strategy initiated under former Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, aimed at improving efficiency and stabilizing the agency’s long-term financial position.
