Benefits Coverage for Your Dependents
If you are a benefits-eligible employee, you may also cover your eligible dependents for certain benefits. Eligible dependents include:
- legally married spouse
- registered domestic partner
- unmarried dependent children up to (but not including) age 19*
- unmarried dependent children from age 19 up to age 23 if a full-time student (requires completion of the Student Certification process through HR Connection)*
- unmarried dependent children of any age who are incapable of self-support due to total disability*
* - NOTE: children must be claimed as your dependent for federal income tax purposes.
You may add or delete dependents from your coverage within 31 days of a status change (marriage, birth or adoption, loss of coverage from another source, divorce, etc.) by using HR Connection.
Benefits for Children Who Are Full-Time Students
You may cover dependent children age 19 up to 23 who are full-time students under your benefits coverage. You must certify that your child is still a full-time student by the deadline for each semester, or s/he will be dropped from your coverage.
Use the HR Connection Student Certification Module for each eligible child.
Student Certification Deadlines:
| Term |
Deadline |
Benefits Coverage Effective Dates |
| Spring/Summer term |
December 12 |
January 1 – August 31 |
| Fall term |
August 15 |
September 1 – December 31 |
Am I Required to Certify My Child?
You do
NOT need to certify your child if you are receiving dependent tuition benefits from the university this semester for your child. Otherwise, you must complete the certification process by the deadline for the semester, as stated above.
What Happens if my Child Stops Attending College or Becomes Part-Time?
You are required to notify the Benefits Office of the change; their coverage will be terminated. (Your child will also be dropped from coverage upon turning 23). You will be sent information about continuing benefits coverage through COBRA if your child loses eligibility. If s/he becomes eligible for benefits in the future, coverage can be resumed.
