Documentation is required to add any new dependents. Options for each dependent category are listed below.
Legally Married Spouse
- Your most recent filed tax Federal Tax Return with signature page or e-file confirmation (financial information can be redacted), OR • Marriage certificate AND proof of joint ownership dated less than six months old. Recommended documents for proof of joint ownership include:
A mortgage or bank statement, residential leasing agreement, property tax bill, or joint credit card statement. Documents must include both the employee’s name and the spouse’s name. If within two years of marriage, then only the marriage certificate is required.
Common Law Spouse
- Texas Declaration of Informal/Common Law Marriage from the County where the marriage was recognized or recorded, OR
- Your most recent Federal Tax Return(s) showing that you are married filing jointly or separately, AND Proof of Joint Ownership dated less than six months old. Recommendations include Texas Car Insurance Document, assignment of a durable property power of attorney or healthcare power of attorney, a mortgage or bank statement, or property tax bill. Documents must include both the employee’s name and the spouse’s name.
Biological or Adopted Child (adoption complete)
- Birth Certificate (must show employee’s name as either the father or mother), OR
- Documentation on hospital letterhead indicating the birth date of the child or children under 6 months old will be accepted as temporary enrollment and must be followed by the birth certificate when received.
Stepchild
- Child’s Birth Certificate showing the child’s parent as the employee’s spouse, AND Marriage Certificate showing legal marriage. If common law marriage, you must provide the documentation as outlined under Common Law Spouse
Adopted Child (in progress)
- Official court/agency placement papers (initial stage), OR
- Official Court Adoption Agreement for an Adopted Child (mid-stage)
Grandchild
- Most recent filed tax return, including the signature or confirmation of e-file, showing the grandchild as a claimed dependent (financial information can be redacted).
- Foreign documents other than marriage license or birth certificate should be accompanied by an English translation.
Foster Child
- Official Court or Agency Placement papers
Legal Guardianship of a child
- Court Order establishing the appropriate legal relationship.
Managing Conservatorship of a child
- Court Order establishing the appropriate legal relationship.