Reminder: Life changes may require benefit changes

Employees are reminded during open enrollment each fall that no changes can be made after enrollment closes (until the next enrollment time frame) unless there is a qualifying life event (change in family status). It’s important to know which life events qualify and how to change benefits if a life change occurs. 

Only specific events qualify as a change in family status, including but not limited to birth or adoption, marriage, divorce and death of a dependent.

Once a qualifying life event occurs, employees must report it within 31 days. If the request isn’t made within the 31-day time period following the family change, employees will not be able to make changes until the next open enrollment period. However, the time period has been extended to 90 days as a result of the Jan. 1 SuccessFactors deployment. The 90-day extension will remain through the end of this month and applies to employees reporting a life change that occurred from Jan. 1 to Feb. 28.

To record a life event or change in family status, sign on to Benefitfocus through the OneCampus portal. The Benefitfocus Detailed Life Event (Change in Family Status) instructions can assist with making the needed changes to benefits as the result of a life event.

Visit the Benefits website for more details – including a list of all qualifying events – on life event (change in family status) benefit elections.

For more information or assistance related to a qualifying life event, contact Human Resources at 765-494-2222, toll-free at 877-725-0222 or via email at hr@purdue.edu.