One of the biggest changes to Minnesota state benefits in decades is coming in just two months, and it could offer some new parents the unique opportunity to "double dip," thanks to a quirk in the timing.

Currently, 24% of Minnesotans have access to paid family and medical leave. On Jan. 1, a new Minnesota law mandates that employers provide paid family leave to nearly every employee. This would include full-time, part-time and seasonal workers.

Breaking that down, there will be 12 weeks of paid medical leave, 12 weeks of family leave to care for a family member who is ill, bonding with a new baby, or responding to a personal safety issue such as stalking or domestic violence. You can use both programs in one year, but the maximum overall leave you can get is 20 weeks per year.

You will

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