Dependent Benefits Eligibility

The following are eligibility rules, guidelines and documentation requirements for enrollment of qualifying dependents in Cleveland State University’s group benefit plans, including provisions of Federal legislation for adult children.

Adult children can be covered under the Plan until they attain age 26, regardless of their student or marital statusand regardless of whether they live at home or whether you support them. The chart below identifies the required documentation that must be submitted when adding eligible dependent(s) to the applicable coverage. Documentation must be submitted to Human Resources at benefits@csuohio.edu upon completion of your enrollment.

DependentEligibility RequirementPlan CoverageDocumentation Requirement
Spouse

Husband or wife of a covered employee

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Supplemental Spouse Life Insurance
  • A copy of your marriage certificate

AND One of the following:

  • A copy of the most recent Federal tax return confirming this dependent is your spouse.
  • A document dated within the last 60 days showing current relationship status such as a recurring monthly household bill or statement of account.
  • Signed and notarized affidavit declaring you are married.
  • The document must list your spouse's name, the date, and your mailing address.
  • Acceptable documents include a utility bill, bank account statement, or credit card statement.
  • Unacceptable documents include checks/deposit slips, coupon books, advertisements or solicitations, envelopes with a postmark date, or any type of insurance cards or health insurance documents.
Same-Sex Domestic Partner

A person of the same gender who meets the following criteria:

  • Shares a residence with an eligible employee for at least 6 months.
  • At least 18 years of age.
  • Is not related to the employee by blood to a degree of closeness that would prohibit legal marriage.
  • Listed as Domestic Partner on the most recent notarized CSU Affidavit of Domestic Partnership.
  • Is not in relationship solely for the purpose of obtaining benefit coverage.
  • Is not married or separated from any other person.
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Dependent Life
  • Supplemental Same-Sex Domestic Partner Life Insurance
  • Notarized Affidavit of Domestic Partnership
  • Two proofs of joint ownership or joint residency issued within last 6 months
Dependent Child

Child related to a covered employee up to age 26 including:

  • Biological child
  • Adopted child
  • Step child
  • Legal Ward
  • Child which employee or spouse of employee is legal guardian
  • Child(ren) may be married, do not have to reside with parents, or be financially dependent upon them, and may be eligible to enroll in their employer's plan
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Dependent Life
  • A copy of the child's birth certificate/hospital birth record or adoption certificate naming you or your spouse as the child's parent. The document must list the first and last names of the child and parent(s) OR a copy of the court order naming you or your spouse as the child's legal guardian or custodian.

Please Note: If you are covering a stepchild you must also provide documentation of your current relationship to your spouse as requested.

Dependent Child
(Same-Sex Domestic Partner)

Domestic Partner Child up to age 26 with relationship to a covered employee:

  • The child of the employee's covered Same-Sex Domestic Partner:
    • Biological, adopted or legal ward
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Dependent Life
  • Required documentation for Same-Sex Domestic Partnership
  • State issued birth certificate
  • Adoption certificate
  • Court ordered document of legal custody
Disabled Dependent

Child related to covered employee including:

  • Biological child
  • Adopted child
  • Step child
  • Legal Ward
  • Child which employee or spouse of employee is legal guardian.
  • Child(ren) may be married, do not have to reside with parents, or be financially dependent upon them, and may be eligible to enroll in their employer's plan.

Coverage may be extended to a child of any age who is incapable of self-support due to a mental or physical disability.

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Dependent Life
  • A copy of the child's birth certificate/hospital birth record or adoption certificate naming you or your spouse as the child's parent. The document must list the first and last names of the child and parent(s) OR a copy of the court order naming you or your spouse as the child's legal guardian or custodian.

AND

  • A copy of the physician's documentation declaring the child disabled.

Please Note: If you are covering a stepchild you must also provide documentation of your current relationship to your spouse as requested.