Everything You Need to Know When You Have a Life-Changing Event
Other than the District's annual enrollment period, there are some events that will permit you to make changes to your coverage during the plan year. You have 30 days from the date of the event listed below to enroll with SSAISD. It is your responsibility to call and make an appointment with the Benefits Department prior to the 30th day. Failure to meet the timeline will result in you having to wait until the next annual open enrollment to make any changes. Any change to your enrollment will take effect the first of the month following the qualifying event.
A Life-Changing Event Includes ....
- Marriage
- Divorce
- Birth or Adoption of Child
- Loss of Health Insurance
- Loss of a Dependent Loved One
- Dependent child reaches age 26
- Enrollment in the Marketplace
- Reduction of hours
Things to Do .....
- When a life changing event occurs, there may be several things that you have to do related to your:
- legal name
- federal tax exemptions, dependents or status (W-4)
- direct deposit bank account
- change in mailing address
- change in beneficiary for life insurance, Teacher Retirement System, etc.
If you get married ....
- You might need to change your name. If the name change has occurred, obtain an updated social security card, drivers license, and photo IDs such as employee ID
- Change number of Dependents by completing a W-4 Form; change spouse or children as a result of marriage. You may need to change your status to married or married, but withholding at higher single rate
- You may need to change beneficiary on TRS account and life insurance, if any.
- If you have moved to a new home, change your mailing address
- You may need to change your bank account information for direct deposit if you have opened a new joint bank account
- You may need to add a dependent on your health insurance plan(s) -- spouse and/or new dependent (child) through marriage.
If you get Divorced .....
- You might need to change your name; if the name change has occurred, obtain an updated social security card, drivers license, and photo IDs such as employee ID
- Change your W-4 form for either number of dependents or change status to single
- Change beneficiary on TRS account and life insurance, if any
- If you have moved to a new home, change your mailing address
- Change bank account information for direct deposit if you have changed bank account
- Drop a dependent on your health insurance plan(s); spouse or dependent (child through marriage)
New Baby or Adopted Child? ....
- Change in beneficiary for life insurance, Teacher Retirement System, etc. if you wish to name or add the child
- Change number of dependents on W-4 form
- Add your new dependent on your health insurance plan(s)
- You have 30 days to add your new child to your insurance or lose your open window for enrollment
Loss of Health Insurance? ....
- Contact the Benefits Department
- Provide proof of loss of coverage to the Benefits Department
- You have 30 days due to the potential qualifying event to enroll or lose your open window for enrollment
Loss of a Loved One? ....
- Change beneficiary on TRS account and life insurance, if the loved one was named
- Change number of dependents and status to single (if loss of spouse) on the W-4 form
- If you have moved to a new home, change your mailing address
- Drop a dependent on your health insurance plan(s); spouse or dependent, if covered under plan
The Most Important Thing ........
- Visit your Human Resources, Benefits and Payroll Department. We will walk you through the changes.