Congratulations on the new addition to your family! Adopting a child is considered a “life change event” in terms of your benefits. This means, you can update your benefit enrollments without having to wait for the next open enrollment period. The following items are a few things you should consider during this life change event.
Adoption Assistance Program
Wright State University is pleased to offer all faculty and staff members (75% FTE or greater) reimbursement of qualified adoption expenses associated with the adoption of a child. The maximum reimbursement for the qualifying adoption of a child under the age of eighteen (18) is $4,000.00. Eligibility, administrative procedures, and an application for this benefit are outlined in the Wright State University Adoption Assistance Plan document.
Benefits
Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Benefits
If you plan on adding the adopted child to your health benefits, you will need to complete the Healthcare Enrollment Form within thirty (30) days of the adoption. The enrollment form must indicate the official event date and supporting documentation will be required.
Flexible Spending Account
You may elect to participate in or change the amount you contribute to your Health Care and/or Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA). In order to do this, you need to submit a Flexible Spending Account Election/Change Form.
Life Insurance
Consider purchasing or increasing Voluntary Term or Group Universal Life Insurance coverage on yourself, as well as Voluntary Dependent Life Insurance coverage for your child(ren) and spouse. Be sure to update the beneficiaries indicated on your life insurance policy by completing a Beneficiary Designation Form.
Retirement
Contact your retirement vendor to verify and/or update your beneficiary designations. Contact information for the Retirement Vendors may be found on this site.
Faculty and Staff Assistance Program
Adopting a child brings many joys to your family’s life! And, it can also be stressful. The Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) is a free benefit that offers confidential counseling and referral services to you, your household, and dependents living away from home.
Taxes
You should revisit your federal (W-4) and state (IT-4) tax documents to ensure you are claiming the correct number of allowances and exemptions.
Leave Programs
Paid Parental Leave
Parental Leave is available to full-time employees (75% FTE or greater) who have completed one (1) year of service prior to becoming an adoptive parent or domestic partner of an adoptive parent. Wright State University provides three (3) weeks of paid leave for adoptive parents. The leave begins and can only be taken immediately following the adoption of a child under the age of six (6). Detailed information on Parental Leave may be found on this site.
Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
In relation to the adoption of a child, FMLA gives all full-time and part-time employees the right to take job-protected leave for up to a total of twelve (12) weeks in any twelve (12) month rolling calendar period. Leave for the adoption of a child may be used at anytime within the twelve (12) months after the adoption, but must be completed within that initial twelve (12) months. This type of leave runs concurrently with any other available leaves (i.e. sick leave, parental leave). Important additional information about the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) may be found on this site.
