Minnesota Paid Leave: Application errors stall benefits
DEED attributes processing delays to incomplete documentation and data discrepancies, leaving some applicants waiting months for payments.
By Alyssa Parker ·
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development says technical errors on forms are causing delays in the state's Paid Leave program. The agency reports that 156,334 residents applied through September. Only 117,224 received approval. The average processing time is two to three weeks, though DEED notes that many applicants hear back sooner.
Angie Baker of West St. Paul experienced a longer wait. Her daughter, Alayah, was born seven weeks early in April. The infant weighed 3 pounds and 7 ounces. Baker said officials told her she made a mistake on the application. The error caused the agency to process her claim based on a part-time job rather than her full-time position. This calculation error reduced her benefits.
Baker said officials pushed the initial application through so she would receive some benefit. She then resubmitted the corrected forms. It took six months to receive her full payment. The financial strain affected her family's stability. "We got mortgage in forbearance, maxed out credit cards, late fees, credit went down a lot," Baker said. She noted that while the issue is resolved, she is still behind on money due to accumulated late fees.
DEED states that applications submitted with complete documentation and no discrepancies are processed within a few weeks. The agency identifies incomplete files and data conflicts as the primary causes for slower reviews. Applicants must notify their employers before submitting a leave request. Employers can review applications and flag questionable files to the state. DEED uses extensive controls to ensure program integrity.
The agency lists four specific controls for the review process. First, all applications require a qualifying condition certified by a health provider. Second, the agency verifies that providers are legitimate and meet legal requirements. Third, trained adjudicators check that leave dates match provider documentation. Applicants cannot revise this documentation; the provider must make any changes directly. Fourth, employers must be notified of the intention to apply.
DEED added that payments cannot be approved until all information is verified. If the program requests additional information, applicants should respond immediately to keep the process moving. The department verifies certifying providers to ensure they meet the law's requirements for the specific type of leave requested. Discrepancies between application data and provider documents trigger follow-up requests to applicants.
Baker is now trying to help others avoid similar issues. "Make sure you have no errors on your application," she said. She also suggested that the state improve its communication with applicants. "On the state side, I hope they can maybe communicate a little bit better," Baker said. She emphasized that small mistakes can have large financial impacts.
The Minnesota Paid Leave Contact Center is available for questions before or after applying. The number is 651-556-7777. DEED said that if an application lacks required documentation, it will require additional follow-up. This step prolongs the review process. The agency maintains that these steps are necessary to ensure compliance and accurate payment calculations for all participants in the program.
