/ HR Benefits/ Am I Eligible for Benefits?

Am I Eligible for Benefits?

Benefits Eligibility Grid

Category	Details
Benefit-Eligible Employees • Faculty at 0.50 FTE or above • Staff at 0.53 FTE (20 hours/week) or above	• Medical, dental, life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) • Individual and College retirement contributions (if applicable) • $50/month stipend if medical coverage is waived • Paid vacation and sick time (prorated for part-time staff) • Tuition program eligibility at 0.75 FTE and above, with years-of-service requirements
Non-Benefit-Eligible Employees • Faculty under 0.50 FTE • Staff under 0.53 FTE	• Not eligible for full benefits • May contribute to individual retirement plan (not eligible for College contribution)
All Employees	• Access to campus facilities (recreation center, library, events, discounts, etc.)
New Employees	• Benefits coverage begins on the first day of the month following date of hire • Eligibility for College retirement contribution begins on the first of the month after one year of employment, unless an exception applies
Dependent Coverage	• Eligible dependents include spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26 • Requires Affidavit of Marriage or Domestic Partnership • Must complete Spouse/Domestic Partner Surcharge Form if enrolling them in L&C health plans • Domestic partner medical and dental premiums are deducted post-tax • Employees pay tax on the College’s contribution toward domestic partner coverage

Benefit Eligibility FAQ

When will I begin receiving the 9% retirement contribution from Lewis & Clark?

The College’s 9% retirement contribution begins automatically with your paycheck during the 13th month of employment. No action is needed—once you reach eligibility, contributions will be reflected in your monthly pay.

I came to L&C from another higher education institution. How does this affect my eligibility for retirement contributions?

You may be eligible to waive the one-year waiting period for employer retirement contributions if you:

Worked 1,000 or more hours at another higher education institution for at least one year,
Left that institution within six months prior to joining Lewis & Clark, and
Received employer retirement contributions at your previous institution.

To apply, you must submit proof of participation in the prior retirement plan within 30 days of hire.
Ask your previous employer’s HR office to complete the Retirement Eligibility Waiver on their letterhead and email it to hr@lclark.edu.

What happens when my dependent child turns 26?

Workday will notify the Benefits and Leaves Specialist when your dependent reaches age 26. Their coverage will end on the last day of the month in which they turn 26.
You will receive COBRA paperwork from our third-party administrator and may choose to continue coverage for your dependent for up to 18 months at COBRA rates.
Learn more: What Happens to Your Benefits When You Leave?

What if I have a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) and need to change my benefits?

If you experience a QLE—such as a marriage, divorce, birth/adoption, or loss of other coverage—you may update your benefits outside of the Open Enrollment period.
Visit: Life Events and Benefit Changes to learn more about documentation requirements and next steps.

Can I continue to cover my former spouse or their children on my health coverage?

No. Under federal and state regulations, former spouses and their children are no longer eligible for coverage once a divorce is finalized.

You must notify HR and remove them from your health plan by completing a Benefit Change in Workday. Visit: Life Events and Benefit Changes to learn more about documentation requirements and next steps.

Your former spouse may qualify for COBRA continuation coverage.