Family status changes include:
- Marriage
- Divorce
- Legal separation/annulment
- Death of a spouse
- Birth
- Adoption
- Placement of adoption
- Death of dependent
Forms that must be completed as a result of a marital status change include:
- Personal data change form
- W-4 changes can be done online through HRMS
All name changes require proof, such as a copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, license or Social Security card with the new name. (Note: Retirement companies require a marriage certificate or divorce decree.)
View the list below to see what actions are required to make changes to each benefit due to a qualifying event.
Benefit |
Timeline and Instructions for Making Changes |
Health Care Plans | To add or remove your spouse/dependent child(ren) from your Health Care Plan, you will need to complete a qualifying event change form and return it to the Office of Total Rewards within 60 days of the date of the qualifying family status change. Supporting documentation may be required. The full list of qualifying events and their corresponding changes can be found here. |
Dental Plans | To add or remove your spouse/dependent child(ren) from your Dental Plan, you will need to complete a qualifying event change form and return it to the Office of Total Rewards within 60 days of the date of the qualifying family status change. Supporting documentation may be required. The full list of qualifying events and their corresponding changes can be found here. |
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) | To enroll in or make changes to the FSA program, you will need to complete a qualifying event change form within 60 days of the date of the qualifying family status change. The enrollment/change will be effective as of the date of the qualifying family status change. Supporting documentation may be required. The full list of qualifying events and their corresponding changes can be found here. |
VSP Vision Plan | Within 60 days of a qualifying family status change, you may add or remove your spouse/domestic partner or child(ren) from your VSP Vision Plan online at www.YOURBenefitsExtras.com. |
University-Paid Basic Term Life Insurance | Changes to beneficiary designations can be done by logging in to HRMS and clicking on “Securian Financial”, or by filling out a beneficiary designation and change request form. |
Group Universal Life (GUL) Insurance Dependent Term Life Insurance |
Within 90 days of a qualifying family status change, you may be eligible to enroll in or increase your GUL or Dependent Term Life Insurance without proof of good health. Enroll or make changes by logging in to HRMS and clicking on “Securian Financial”. Forms are available on the life insurance forms page. You will need to notify Securian Financial when your dependents are no longer eligible for coverage (i.e. divorce/termination of a domestic partnership) by completing a life insurance change request form.
Changes to beneficiary designations can be done by logging in to HRMS and clicking on “Securian Financial”, or by filling out the beneficiary designation and change request form. |
Retirement Program | To change your name or beneficiaries on your University of Rochester Retirement account with TIAA, log in at TIAA.org/Rochester. If you are requesting a name change, be prepared to provide the court information that handled your name change, and documentation of the changed name (i.e. marriage or adoption record). Note: Under federal law, you are required to list your spouse at least 50% primary beneficiary, unless (s)he waives that right. |
Tuition Benefits | Your dependent children may be eligible for tuition benefits. |
Child Care Subsidy | Within 60 days of a qualifying family status change, you may apply for the child care subsidy. |