How Do I Verify My Dependents?

If you are adding a dependent to your health insurance that was not previously verified, you will need to provide documentation to prove dependency. Please note the following reminders and the document options chart before submitting your paperwork to the Benefits Division.

If a dependent was covered within the last 6 months under Northwestern University health insurance then you are not required to re-verify.

  • Send copies only, not originals.
  • Only send the first page of your prior year Federal Tax Return that shows your dependents. State Tax Returns are NOT accepted in lieu of Federal Tax Returns.
  • Black out all monetary amounts appearing on Federal Tax Returns, for example earnings listed on your 1040.
  • Documents proving joint ownership are: Mortgage Statements, Credit Card Statements, Bank Statements, and Residential Leasing Agreements listing both parties’ names as co-owners. The joint ownership may be established prior to the current year; however, the statement provided must be issued within the last six months.

Dependent Type

Eligibility Requirements

Document Options for Verifying Eligibility

Legal Spouse

The covered employee's husband or wife under Federal Law
  • Government issued Marriage Certificate, and
  • Most recently filed Federal Tax Return

or

  • Signed marriage license if adding spouse due to marriage

Partner

As defined in the state law recognizing Civil Union Partnerships
  • Government issued Civil Union Certificate, and
  • Proof of joint ownership Issued within the last 6 months

or

  • Government issued Civil Union Certificate if adding partner due to civil union

Biological Child

Biological child age 25 and under
  • Government issued Birth Certificate

or

  • Hospital issued Birth Certificate if adding child due to birth

Adopted Child

Adopted child age 25 and under
  • Adoption placement, and Petition for adoption

or

  • Adoption Certificate

Step-Child

Step-child or child of your partner age 25 and under
  • Government issued birth certificate, and
  • Government issued Marriage Certificate, and
  • Most recently filed Federal Tax Return

or

  • Government issued birth certificate, and
  • Government issued Marriage Certificate, and
  • Proof of joint ownership issued within the last 6 months

or

  • Government issued birth certificate, and
  • Government issued Civil Union Certificate, and
  • Proof of joint ownership issued within the last 6 months

or

  • Government issued birth certificate, and
  • Signed marriage license if adding step-child due to marriage

or

  • Government issued birth certificate, and
  • Government issued Civil Union Certificate if adding step-child due to civil union

Legal Ward

Court ordered legal ward of the employee age 25 and under
  • Government issued Birth Certificate, and
  • Court ordered Document of Legal Custody

Foster Child

Age 25 and under
  • Government issued Birth Certificate, and
  • Foster Care documents

Qualified Medical Support Order

Qualified medical child support order must be ordered for the employee and individual must be age 25 and under.
  • Qualified medical child support order