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Life Events/Family Status Changes

For all of us, life is a continuing process of change—marriage, birth, adoption, job changes, divorce, death of a family member: these major changes, life events, potentially affect your UAH Benefits.

When one of these events occur in your life, you will need to review and possibly make changes to certain benefits such as:

Health insurance (medical, dental and vision)
Life insurance
Flexible Spending account participation
Retirement

Be aware that some changes can be made only within 30 days of the life event. Changes not made within the 30-day time frame may result in coverage not being changed until the annual open enrollment period. Open enrollment is held each year in November and changes made during this time are effective January 1st of the upcoming year.

Tax Forms
If you have a family status change you may want to change your filing status for federal and state income tax withholding. To view your current withholding status, enter Banner Self Service, and go to the Employee menu then choose Tax Forms or call Payroll Services at 824-6021. You can change your tax forms at any time. Below are the links to the appropriate forms. Once completed, sign, date and mail to the Payroll Office, Shelbie King Hall room 155.

Federal Form

State Tax Form

Beneficiary Changes
If you have a family status change you may want to change your beneficiary designation. To view your current beneficiary for University provided life insurance, click here or call Benefits & Employee Services at 824-6640. You can change your beneficiary at any time. Below are the links to beneficiary change forms. Once completed, sign, date and mail to the Benefits Office, Shelbie King Hall room 102.

University Provided Life Insurance - Beneficiary Change Form or go Online

State Teachers' Retirement - Beneficiary Change Form

TIAA-CREF - Beneficiary Change Form or online by using your personal log-in information to access your account.

Insurance Changes
If you have a family status change you may elect to change dependents covered under your medical plan. You have 30 days from the family status change to request the change in enrollment. If you do not have a change in family status, you can only change coverage at the annual open enrollment period. Generally open enrollment is held in November and changes made during this time are effective January 1 of the following year.

In the event of marriage, return the completed form and a copy of the marriage certificate. New spouses can be added to medical coverage effective the date of marriage. Also, you may add a stepchild residing in the household or a non-residing stepchild if spouse is required to do so by divorce decree or court order.

In the event of divorce, return the completed form along with a copy of the divorce decree or letter from attorney stating effective date of such action. The ex-spouse (and step-children) will be removed from the contract the first day of the following month of the divorce. It is important that the address of the ex-spouse is provided to the Benefits Office so that notification regarding COBRA rights can be mailed. COBRA is the federal law allowing covered persons who have a qualifying event, such as divorce, the option to continue medical coverage. Click here for more information regarding COBRA.

In the event of the birth of a child, return the completed form within 30 days of the birth along with a copy of the birth certificate. Social Security number can be provided at a later time when that information is received from the Social Security office.

Change in Family Status Election Form