Add/Renew/Remove Dependents
An eligible dependent under the university health plans is defined as any unmarried child of an employee or their spouse, including a step-child, adopted child or other child (e.g. grandchild, foster child) who is legally dependent upon the employee for support and maintenance and is:
- under 21 years of age; or
- at least 21 but under 25 years of age and is a registered student in full-time attendance at a university or similar institution of learning (See the frequently asked questions); or
- 21 years of age or over and is incapable of self-sustaining employment due to mental or physical disability. Must apply and approved in advance for Disabled Dependent.
Add an eligible dependent
What? |
When? |
What do I do? |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta Health Care | As required | Contact Alberta Health and Wellness. |
| Supplementary Health and Dental Care | As required | Access Employee Self Service to update dependent information and Benefit enrolments |
| Insurance Plan(s) | Your choice | Access Employee Self Service to update Beneficiary information. A completed Beneficiary Designation and/or Voluntary Accident Insurance Plan form must be submitted to HRS. |
| Pension Plan | Your choice | Complete the appropriate Designation of Beneficiary Form (UAPP or PSPP) |
Add/renew an over-age dependent
What? |
When? |
What do I do? |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta Health Care | As required | Contact Alberta Health and Wellness. |
| Supplementary Health and Dental Care | One month prior to 21st birthday | Your pension and benefit advisor will contact you the month prior to your dependent's 21st birthday, requesting confirmation of full-time attendance at a post-secondary institution. Once confirmation is received, your dependent will continue to be covered for the duration of the confirmed enrolment period. Supplemental Health and Dental coverage continues up to the dependent's 25th birthday as long as the university receives confirmation of their full time student status. If no confirmation is received, the dependent will be removed from your coverage on their 21st birthday. Proof of enrolment is required for each term the Dependent is enrolled in full time studies. |
Frequently asked questions about over-age dependents
Find answers below for the Student Declaration Process (dependents aged 21–25). If you have any other questions, please contact the Staff Service Centre.
Is my dependent eligible to remain covered through my SunLife Supplemental Health and Dental Plans?
If your dependent is between the ages of 21 and 25, and is enrolled in University, or a similar post-secondary institution in a full-time capacity, they are eligible to remain on your coverage. They must be declared as an overage dependent, or they will be automatically removed from your coverage effective the day they turn 21.
What is the process to declare my overage dependent?
The month prior to your dependent's 21st birthday, you will receive an email from your Pension and Benefit Advisor asking you to send relevant proof of post secondary enrolment. Once received, your dependent will be covered for the duration of their full-time studies as indicated on the proof of enrolment. If proof of student status is provided for multiple terms coverage is applied until the end of the confirmed enrollment period. If confirmation of enrolment is not provided, the dependent will be removed from coverage effective the date of their 21st birthday.
What documents will be accepted as proof of enrolment?
The document(s) must be obtained from the educational institution and cannot be a screenshot or handwritten. We will accept a copy of a transcript, verification document, or any other document on University letterhead that includes the below criteria:
- Their first and last name
- The name of the post-secondary institution
- Their full-time status as deemed by the institution
- The terms that they are currently enrolled in, ex: Fall and/or Winter Term
What happens if my dependent is no longer attending full-time studies?
It is your responsibility to notify the Staff Service Centre of any changes to the student status of your dependent. Failure to provide confirmation of changes of student status may result in loss of coverage and out of pocket health and dental expenses.
What happens beyond my dependent's 21st birthday?
Your over-age dependent will continue to be covered as long as you provide proof of student status (as outlined above). Coverage will cease should the student status expire and further proof is not required or your over-age dependent reaches the age of 25; whichever occurs first.
Can I declare/renew my over-age dependant more than a month before their 21st birthday?
Yes. You can send your relevant proof of post secondary enrolment to the Staff Service Centre at any time. Should proof not be received by one-month before your dependant's 21st birthday, your Pension and Benefit Advisor will reach out by email requesting the proof of enrolment.
Delete an ineligible dependent
When a person does not meet the definitions above they are not eligible for coverage under your benefits.
What? |
When? |
What do I do? |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta Health Care | As required | Contact Alberta Health and Wellness. |
| Supplementary Health and Dental Care | Date no longer eligible | Access Employee Self Service to remove dependent information and Benefit enrolments |
| Insurance Plan(s) | Your choice | Access Employee Self Service to update Beneficiary information. A completed Beneficiary Designation and/or Voluntary Accident Insurance Plan form must be submitted to the Staff Service Centre |
| Pension Plan | Your choice | Complete the appropriate Designation of Beneficiary Form (PSPP or UAPP) |