Domestic Partner declarations

Amyl

My company is located in California. We are required both by law and our own policy to provide certain benefits to domestic partners of our employees. For years we've used a declaration form that I think was provided by one of our insurance vendors. Just recently we determined that under state law, the employee and partner are supposed to file a form w/the state Secretary of State to confirm their status. If we don't want to force people to go through that process, can we just ignore it? Also, other than Ca. law, is there any provision that says what needs to be in the declaration?

Gillian

The State certification is for a different purpose. You can ignore it. The primary purpose is so that retired state workers can register domestic partners for health coverage and participation is state retirement benefits.

Amyl

thanks for this info. Do you have any thoughts re what has to be in a declaration?

Gillian

My E-Mail address is [email]shugh@westernu.edu[/email] If you will send me your FAX number I will send what we use, which was designed based upon info. from various sources.

Gillian

Just for clarification in case anyone else from California reads this thread. The new law does in fact require that domestic partners register with the State of California in order to avail themselves of the benefits created by the new law. Even though sick leave benefits and health insurance are between the employee, partner and the organization, the law requires registration with the state. The web site is [url]www.ss.ca.gov[/url] ,click on Special Programs, then Domestic Partner and you will find the certification forms.