You may make changes in your benefit elections outside the new hire or open enrollment period only when you have a qualified change in status. Qualified changes in status, as defined by the IRS, are life events such as:

• Marriage or divorce
• Death of your spouse or child
• Birth or adoption of a child
• Termination of employment by your spouse, or his/her obtainment of new employment, when either results in a loss or gain of benefits
• A switch in employment status from full-time to part-time (or vice-versa) by you or your spouse when either results in a loss or gain of benefits
• A significant change in health coverage by your or your spouse’s employer
• Disqualification of a child as an eligible dependent due to age

Only benefit changes that are consistent with the qualified change in status laws are permitted and they must be made within 31 days of the life event. You are responsible for notifying Human Resources of any change and completing the necessary forms prior to the end of the 31 days. You must provide documentation to support your change in status.  Please contact your City of Woodstock Benefits Team with any questions.