[June 30, 2008]

In light of the recent California Supreme Court decision overturning the law that prohibited same-sex marriage in California, UC Human Resources and Benefits wants to assure those affected that UC's benefits and benefits policies will apply equally to same-sex marriages and opposite-sex marriages. (Federal taxation of benefits may differ, however, in accordance with federal law; see below.)

Because UC's policies regarding benefits have been identical for spouses and domestic partners, the ruling has no effect on UC-sponsored benefits for same-sex domestic partners who marry.

Here is some basic information about benefits for same-sex spouses and domestic partners:

If your domestic partner is currently covered by UC-sponsored benefits:

• If you marry, your spouse continues to be enrolled in the same UC-sponsored benefits. You do not have a new period of initial eligibility (PIE) to make changes in your benefits because you are not adding a new family member.
• You do not need to marry to continue providing benefits

If you want to add your domestic partner or same-sex spouse to your UC coverage:

• Visit your local Benefits Office and fill out the UPAY 850 Form (Enrollment, Change, Cancellation, or Opt Out - Employees Only, Health and Welfare Plans) to enroll your partner or spouse.
• You have 31 days from the marriage or state-registration date to enroll in benefits.

Note that there is no legal requirement to terminate a registered domestic partnership before marrying, assuming the registered partner and spouse are the same individual.

Also, note that while California state taxes are not withheld on benefits provided to a same-sex spouse or registered domestic partner, federal taxes are withheld on these benefits, since federal law does not recognize same-sex marriage or partnership.

For more information about benefits for domestic partners or spouses, please see Benefits for Domestic Partners and the At Your Service website or call the UC Customer Service Center at 1-800-888.8267.

• The information presented in these news archive articles may no longer be current. Please note the date when the article was first published.