Prior to the adoption of a child you should consult with Human Resources (or your supervisor) regarding parental leave policies.  The EAP/Impact Program can assist you in locating child care, community resources for special needs care, and assistance in preparing for this important life change. The adoption of a child may create a need to adjust your participation in several available benefit programs and provide the university with updated personal information. You may also wish to review your federal, state and, if applicable, city tax withholding elections. The following is a checklist of issues for you to consider:

Personal Information Update 

You will need to complete and return a Change of Personal Information Form to add a dependent or change any of these items: name, address, phone, title, marital status, emergency contact, or to add/delete dependents on any of the current benefit plans. You can also change your mailing address and/or emergency contact information logging into FlashLine, clicking on the MyHR tab and Personal Information under Employment Details.

Medical/Dental/Vision Enrollment Changes

You will need to complete and return a Group Insurance Enrollment Form to change your enrollment in the medical/dental/vision plans. This includes changes for single/family coverage or opt-out of the coverage, adding a dependent and designation of a primary care physician for any covered family members. Under Internal Revenue Service regulations, you must submit this form to the Benefits Office within 31 days of the adoption of your child if you wish to make any changes.

Flexible Spending Accounts

If you wish to enroll in a Dependent Care and/or Health Care Reimbursement Account or if you wish to change your level of participation in one of these accounts, you must complete a new Reimbursement Account Enrollment Form. Under Internal Revenue Service regulations, you must submit this form to the Benefits Office within 31 days of the adoption of your child if you wish to make any changes. Payroll tax withholding- If you need to change your federal, state or local income tax withholding you should contact the Payroll Department at 330-672-2637 or you can obtain most forms on their web site. All completed forms must be returned to the Payroll Department.

Life Insurance Beneficiary

If you need to change the beneficiary for the group term life insurance provided to you by Kent State University, you must complete and return a Change of Beneficiary Form. Completed forms should be sent to the Benefits Office.

Social Security Card

If you have not applied for a social security number for your adopted child, you will need to contact the Social Security Administration. You will need to complete a form SS-5 and return it to the Social Security Administration with certain other documents. Remember, you cannot list a child as a dependent on your income tax returns unless the child has been assigned a social security number.