If you establish a domestic partnership for employee-benefit purposes, you are eligible to add your domestic partner and any newly eligible children (for example, your partner’s children) to some benefit plans.
You must submit an application to add your domestic partner and any newly eligible children to your benefit plans and/or enroll in a benefit plan for the first time within 30 days of establishing a domestic partnership. Applications can be accessed on the Forms & Resources web page All information below assumes you have established a domestic partnership. See the Domestic Partnership web page for more information about how to establish a domestic partnership for benefit purposes. You must include your domestic partnership affidavit with any applications submitted.
Note: The 2017-2019 Wisconsin Biennial Budget (2017 Wisconsin Act 59) was signed into law on September 21, 2017, eliminated the Chapter 40 domestic partnership program. As a result, domestic partners and partner’s children (who are not also your dependent children) are no longer eligible for most benefits as of January 1, 2018. Review the Domestic Partner Brochure (ET-2166) for details.
Information with details specific to each plan can be accessed below.
Additionally, if you have changes to your personal information as a result of establishing a domestic partnership, update your information with the Universities of Wisconsin. Information on how to update your information can be found in the following resources:
- Name: Notify your institution’s human resources contact. Documentation may be necessary.
- Address: Personal Details – Address tip sheet
- Emergency Contacts: Personal Details – Emergency Contacts tip sheet
This plan does not cover domestic partners.
This plan does not cover domestic partners.
This plan does not cover domestic partners.
This plan does not cover domestic partners.
Review your beneficiary designation and update, if necessary.
If enrolled in Employee coverage, you may take the following actions within 30 days of establishing your domestic partnership. Coverage is effective the first of the month on or following 30 days from the date your domestic partnership is established.
- Add Spouse/Domestic Partner coverage
- Add Child coverage if this is the first time you have an eligible child to cover.
If already enrolled in Child coverage, newly eligible children are automatically covered (no action required).
Review your beneficiary designation and update, if necessary.
You may enroll in Employee Only or Family coverage at any time. If enrolled in Family coverage, domestic partner and newly eligible children are automatically covered (no action necessary). Changes to your coverage are effective the first of the month on or following the receipt of your application.
Review your beneficiary designation and update, if necessary.
This plan does not cover domestic partners.
Review your beneficiary designation and update, if necessary.
This plan offers employee coverage. There is no enrollment opportunity due to establishing a domestic partnership.
You may take the following actions within 30 days of establishing your domestic partnership if your domestic partner or their children qualify as your dependents under IRS rules.
- Enroll in a Health Care and/or Dependent Day Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Increase, decrease or cancel your Health Care and/or Dependent Day Care Account (if already enrolled). Action must be consistent with the qualifying life event.
Submit a Change of Election Form to your institution benefits contact to enroll in or change your election. Coverage or changes are effective the first of the month on or following the date your domestic partnership is established.
You can make changes to your per paycheck contributions at any time.
Review your beneficiary designation and update, if necessary.
Review your beneficiary designation and update, if necessary.
You can enroll in or make changes at any time.
Review your beneficiary designation(s) and update, if necessary.
You can enroll in or make changes at any time.
Review your beneficiary designation and update, if necessary.
Review your tax withholding exemptions and update, if necessary. For information review the Update Federal and/or State W4 Tipsheet.
Beneficiary Designations
Remember to review and update your beneficiary designations when you have a life event to make sure that your benefits are paid according to your wishes. Benefit plans that have beneficiary designations include life insurance plans, retirement plans and the health savings account.
For more information review the Beneficiary Information web page.
Every effort has been made to ensure this information is current and correct. Information on this page does not guarantee enrollment, benefits and/or the ability to make changes to your benefits.