Life Events

Life always brings change! Even though your benefits take effect January 1 and remain in place through December 31, sometimes qualifying life events can change your benefits needs. 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.

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 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. 

What we Need

Qualifying Life Event Required Documentation When to Contact Benefits
Birth or adoption birth: copy of hospital issued birth certificate or hospital issued statement of birth;
adoption: copy in English of the adoption paperwork from the state or country of origin
Within 30 days after the birth of your child
Marriage* copy of marriage certificate Within 30 days after your marriage date
Divorce* or legal separation copy of legal document showing the date of separation or divorce Within 30 days after your divorce or separation
Spouse/dependent gains or loses other coverage or eligibility letter from the new employer or health care provider stating the first day of coverage; Loses coverage – letter from the former employer or health care provider stating the last day of coverage.
By 30 days before or after loss or gain of coverage 
Change in employment status (full-time/part-time) no additional documentation needed By 30 days before or after the change in employment status

* Whenever your name changes, because of marriage, divorce, or any legal action, you must get a new social security card and provide this number and new name to Payroll Services. For further information, visit Payroll's website.