Marriage
Before the "big day" arrives, there are some factors to consider to make the transition from your single life to married life smoother. If you are entering into a domestic partnership, see the Domestic Partnership page.
Benefits
Marriage is a "qualifying status change" in terms of your benefits. This means that you can change most of your benefit elections without waiting until the annual open enrollment period. Contact the Office of Human Resources Customer Service Center for assistance with any benefit elections.
Medical, Dental, Vision Benefits
Will you be adding a spouse to your benefits? Changing to your spouse's benefit program? You will need to complete and submit a Health Plan Enrollment Form within 31 days of the date of the marriage.Life Insurance
You may want to consider purchasing Voluntary Group Term Life Insurance (VGTLI) or Dependent Group Term Life Insurance (DGLI) for your spouse and his or her children or changing the amount of life insurance you currently purchase for yourself. You can also change the beneficiary of the Group Term Life Insurance policy the university purchases for you (if eligible) by submitting a Group Term Life Insurance Change of Beneficiary form. You can download a DGLI Enrollment form or VGTLI Application from this site.Retirement
Check with your retirement plan carrier regarding changes to your beneficiary designation. You may also elect to participate in a Supplemental Retirement Account (SRA) by completing the SRA Salary Reduction Agreement form.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) by submitting a FSA Qualifying Event Enrollment Form.Tuition Assistance
The dependents of eligible faculty and staff may take advantage of the Dependent Tuition Assistance Program by completing a Tuition Assistance Program Application for Dependents.
Name Change
There are several things to consider if you will be changing your name.
HR System
If you will be changing your name, the change will need to be made in the HR System so that you will continue to receive your mail, and will be listed properly in directories. The change will be automatically made from the HR System to the mailing lists of publications such as Resources and onCampus. Your departmental Human Resources contact will be able to make the change in the HR System.University E-Mail
Your new name will be automatically uploaded to the Office of Information Technology and your new user name (i.e. smith.999@osu.edu) is automatically created. E-mail sent to either the old user name or the new one will continue to work for correspondence. Contact the Office of Information Technology by e-mailing 8help@osu.edu for more information.Administrative
Contact your administrative representative to find out how your department handles changes to business cards, departmental directories, and name plates.Social Security Card
If you change your name, be sure to notify Social Security. To change the name shown on your card, you need to complete Form SS-5 (which is available for download or at your local Social Security office) and submit evidence of your identity. Your card will have your new name but the same number as your old card. Changing your name on your card requires one or more documents identifying you by both your OLD NAME and your NEW NAME. See the Social Security web site for more information, or visit your local Social Security office.Benefits
After your departmental Human Resource contact has made your name change in the HR System, contact the Office of Human Resources Customer Service Center to confirm your name change.
Address Change
HR System
Making sure your home address is correct in the HR System is critical so that you will continue to receive special mailings that are sent to the home address. Your departmental Human Resources contact will be able to make the changes in the HR System.Postal Service
The U.S. Postal Service web site allows you to submit your address change online or complete a form and print it out to mail in.Non-Citizen Requirements
ALL NON-CITIZENS (also called aliens) must report any address changes to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) while residing in the United States within 10 days of the change. Failure to do so can result in a $200 fine and 30 days in jail, or possible deportation. Non-citizens should notify the USCIS if they no longer live at the address that they listed on the I-94 form upon entry into the United States by submitting Form AR-11, the Alien's Change of Address Card. Each member of a family must submit an individual form. Spanish, Chinese, and Russian versions of the Form AR-11, are also available on the USCIS web site. The AR-11 form may also be ordered by phone at 1-800-870-3676. The Office of International Education offers assistance to non-citizens at Ohio State - faculty and staff can visit the Web site for frequently asked questions and directions on filling out the form.Taxes
If you have moved, you may need to change your school district or county on the W-4 form - this will affect your paycheck. Contact the Tax Office for more information.
Tax Deductions
You may want to review your W-4 tax document so that you are claiming the correct deductions. Contact the Tax Office for more information.
Direct Deposit
Are you changing your bank account? Make sure your direct deposit information changes as well. You can contact Payroll Services to discuss changes in your bank information, or download and complete a Direct Deposit Enrollment Form to start or end direct deposit.
Vacation Time
If you are planning to take a honeymoon vacation, make sure you notify your manager well in advance and fill out an Application for Leave Form. Ask your departmental Human Resources contact for your vacation balance. If you are traveling outside of Ohio or internationally and you are a member of a university-sponsored health plan, remember to pack your GlobalCare card for emergency medical referrals. See the Continuing Benefits While on Leave booklet for more information.
Employee Assistance Program (UFSAP)
Engagement and marriage can be stressful in many ways. The University Faculty and Staff Assistance Program offers free, confidential, professional counseling and referral services to help you and your spouse with any issues that may arise.
Financial Planning
There are a lot of financial decisions to make as a married couple. The Office of Human Resources offers the Financial Planning Series - one hour courses designed to help you set and reach your financial goals. The sessions are FREE to all Ohio State faculty and staff and cover topics ranging from investment strategies and saving for your child's education, to setting a budget and getting rid of debt.
Contact Information
For more information on Human Resources-related issues, contact the Office of Human Resources Customer Service Center. Visit the Benefits web site to learn about your benefits.
NOTE: This is intended to be a summary of benefits, services and procedures. For full details, contact the Office of Human Resources Customer Service Center, refer to benefit plan booklets, or visit the Policy web site.
