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Benefits
Dependent Tuition Benefits

Student Certification Process

The student certification process determines eligibility for medical coverage and other benefits. Verification of full-time student status for the purpose of maintaining benefit eligibility is now conducted using the National Student Clearinghouse database. The Clearinghouse database contains information on student enrollment status and credit load. The Office of Human Resources queries the database during the fall semester and spring semester, and also in the summer.

If HR is able to verify full-time student status through the Clearinghouse, employees will not need to provide any additional information to our office.

If HR is unable to determine full-time status through the Clearinghouse, employees will need to provide proof that their dependent is enrolled full-time. The Clearinghouse allows access to over 2,000 schools, however not every dependent's school participates, thus HR may not be able to determine a student's status.

Syracuse University's benefit plans offer coverage for eligible, unmarried dependents after age 19 if they are full-time students at an accredited college or university, until they reach their 25th birthday. Your dependent may also be eligible for continued eligibility beyond age 19 or 25 if they are unable to work or support themselves due to a disability (prior to age 19 or 25 if enrolled as a full-time student). If at any point your dependent no longer meets these requirements you must notify the Office of Human Resources so that your dependent can be terminated from the benefit plans. In addition, if Syracuse University is not notified within 61 days of your dependent ceasing to be a full-time student his or her rights under COBRA may be waived.

Should you have any questions, contact the Human Resources service center at 443-4042 or at hrservic@syr.edu.

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