The University of Chicago Human Resources

401 - Dependent Coverage

Subject: Benefits Eligibility & Dependent Coverage

Section: U401

Date: January 1, 2010 (Revised September 4, 2019)

Depending on your position and job classification, you may be eligible for a variety of benefits offered to employees of the University of Chicago. Details on benefits eligibility and the benefits offered such as medical and other insurance, Staff and Faculty Assistance Program, flexible spending accounts, educational assistance, retirement, and many other benefits are available on the Human Resources Benefits website.

Dependents of staff employees may be eligible for medical, dental, vision, and life benefits, as well as educational assistance. Staff employees must inform HR Benefits at (773) 702-9634 or benefits@uchicago.edu within thirty-one days of any change in dependent status that may affect their eligibility.  Staff employees must submit appropriate documentation proving dependent eligibility to HR Benefits within 31 days. For the purpose of determining eligibility for University benefits, a “dependent” is defined as follows:

• Spouse (if not legally separated)
• Same-gender domestic partner registered with the University prior to December 31, 2016.
• Children up to the age of 26 (natural children, stepchildren, legally adopted children, children for whom the staff employee is the legal guardian, children placed with the staff person for adoption, or children of the staff employee’s registered domestic partner who live with and depend on the staff employee for support in a regular parent-child relationship)
• Unmarried children up to age 26 for whom the staff employee is legally responsible to provide health coverage under the terms of a Qualified Medical Child Support Order (QMCSO)
• Unmarried child over 26 if the child depends on a staff employee for primary financial support and maintenance due to a physical or mental disability, is incapable of self-support, and was disabled before reaching age 19

Please refer to the Human Resources Benefits website and applicable plan documents for information regarding dependent definitions and eligibility for University benefits and privileges.