Qualifying Life Events
Life always brings change, and qualifying life events can change your benefits needs. You can make changes to your benefits within 30 days of a qualifying life event.
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Qualifying life events
Benefits take effect January 1 and remain in place through December 31, but qualifying life events can change your benefits needs. Qualifying life events, such as the birth or adoption of a child, marriage, divorce or your spouse gaining or losing coverage can all be eligible events. You can make changes to your benefits within 30 days of a qualifying life event.
Benefits changes must be made within 30 days of a qualifying life event. Benefits changes outside of the 30-day window must be made during the next Open Enrollment period.
Notifying UofL benefits of life events
Employees and retirees can enter eligible qualifying life events to change benefits throughout the year after open enrollment. To submit a qualifying life event, please reference the Change Benefits for a Life Event [PDF] quick reference guide (QRG) for instructions. If you miss this 30-day window (provided below in each event category), you will not be able to make changes until the next open enrollment period for the following benefits year.
Required documentation for qualifying life events
Required documentation
Birth: Copy of hospital-issued birth certificate or hospital-issued statement of birth.
Adoption: English-language copy of adoption paperwork from the state or country of origin
When to contact benefits
Within 30 days after the birth or adoption of your child.
Required documentation
Copy of marriage certificate.
When to contact benefits
Within 30 days after your marriage date.
Required documentation
Copy of legal document showing the date of separation or divorce.
When to contact benefits
Within 30 days after your divorce or separation
Required documentation
Gain of coverage: Letter from new employer or healthcare provider stating the first day of coverage.
Loss of coverage: Letter from former employer or healthcare provider stating what type of coverage was lost, effective date and the name(s) of the individual(s) who lost coverage.
When to contact benefits
Within 30 days before or after loss or gain of coverage.
Required documentation
No additional documentation needed.
When to contact benefits
Within 30 days before or after the change in employment status.
*Whenever your name changes due to marriage, divorce or any legal action, you must get a new Social Security card and provide this name and number to Payroll Services. For further information, please visit Payroll Services.