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Domestic Partner

PARTNERSHIP MUST HAVE BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO'S BENEFITS OFFICE ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2016. 

Updates to Domestic Partnership Program 

As of January 1, 2017, partners need to be married or be in a civil union to receive University of Chicago benefits. The only exception to this was the grandfathered group of employees who registered their partner with the University prior to December 31, 2016.   

Updated: Domestic Partnership Program - Frequently Asked Questions

Domestic Partnership

A Domestic Partnership is defined as:

  • Two individuals of the same sex who live together in a long-term relationship of indefinite duration; and

  • Both partners have an exclusive mutual commitment in which they agree to be jointly responsible for each other's common welfare and share financial obligations; and

  • The partners are not related by blood to a degree of closeness which would prohibit legal marriage in the state in which they legally reside; and

  • The partners may not be married to any other person.

Individuals who meet the criteria listed above must also demonstrate joint responsibility for each other's common welfare and financial obligations.

What benefits are my Domestic Partner and the child(ren) of my Domestic Partner eligible for?

Faculty

If you are a benefits-eligible faculty member, your partner (registered with the University of Chicago's Benefits Office on or before December 31, 2016) and the child(ren) of your partner may be added to your medical, dental and vision insurance. If you are eligible for the Laboratory School Tuition Remission, or the Faculty Child Scholarship, eligibility will extend to your Domestic Partner and/or the child(ren) of your Domestic Partner. Housing, gymnasium, and library privileges will also be extended.

Staff

If you are a benefits-eligible staff member, your partner (registered with the University of Chicago's Benefits Office on or before December 31, 2016) and the child(ren) of your partner may be added to your medical, dental and vision insurance. If you are eligible for Laboratory School or Staff Children at the College Tuition Programs, eligibility will extend to the child(ren) of your Domestic Partner. Domestic Partners and their child(ren) will also be entitled to housing, gymnasium, and library privileges.

Faculty and staff may add Domestic Partners (registered with the University of Chicago's Benefits Office on or before December 31, 2016) and their child(ren) to their coverage under the Maroon Plan, Maroon Savings Choice Plan, the University of Chicago Health Plan, HMO Illinois, the MetLife Dental Plans (Copay and PPO), and/or VSP Vision Plans (Base and Premier). Domestic Partners (registered with the University of Chicago's Benefits Office on or before December 31, 2016) may also be covered under the Spouse/Partner Life Insurance and the University’s Personal Accident Insurance Plan.

What happens if my partner and I terminate our relationship, or my relationship no longer meets the criteria of a Domestic Partnership?

You must notify the Benefits Office within 31 days of the termination of the relationship. Your ex-domestic partner will no longer be eligible for gymnasium, library, and housing privileges, and you must remove your ex-domestic partner and his or her child(ren) from all University benefit plans. These rules also apply to the termination of a marriage through divorce or legal separation.

The University will extend the same health insurance coverage to ex-domestic partners and their children that it does to ex-spouses and their children under COBRA. Specifically, ex-domestic partners and their children will be eligible to continue health benefits for up to 36 months after filing a Statement of Termination of Domestic Partnership.

What impact does registration of a Domestic Partner have on my taxes?

The contributions the University makes toward health coverage for the Domestic Partners (registered with the University of Chicago's Benefits Office on or before December 31, 2016) of faculty and staff will be considered by the Internal Revenue Service in many cases as taxable income to the faculty/staff member who cover a Domestic Partner. Children of domestic partners may qualify as dependents. Please consult a tax advisor before enrolling your Domestic Partner and/or your partner's child(ren).

For additional information, contact the Benefits Office at 773.702.9634 or benefits@uchicago.edu.