Benefits Changes - Death of a Dependent
We understand that this is a difficult time for you. In addition to assisting you with benefits changes, we also want you to know that the Employee Assistance Program can assist with grief support and counseling.
Please use the information below to make benefits changes and reach out to us for assistance at any time.
Remove your dependent from your health, dental and vision insurance
- Complete your enrollment change online at go.gwu.edu/enroll4benefits within 30 calendar days of the loss. A death certificate is required and must be submitted to GW Benefits within 30 calendar days from the life event date.
- All documents may be scanned and e-mailed, faxed, or mailed to:
- [email protected]
- Fax: 571-553-8385; or,
- Mail to: The George Washington University - GW Benefits, 44983 Knoll Square, Suite 391, Ashburn, VA 20147
- All documents may be scanned and e-mailed, faxed, or mailed to:
- If you were previously covered under your late spouse’s plan, you and your dependents may elect coverage with GW.
- Documentation verifying eligibility will be required if you are newly adding dependents to your health plan(s) and must be submitted to Benefits within 30 calendar days from the dependent’s date of death.
- You can change the health, dental or vision plans in which your family is enrolled.
- Insurance premiums are prorated in the month of the death event.
Change your Life Insurance Coverage
- If your spouse passed away, be sure to waive spouse life insurance in go.gwu.edu/enroll4benefits.
- Waive your dependent child life insurance if you no longer have a qualifying dependent child in go.gwu.edu/enroll4benefits.
- Change your life insurance beneficiaries through go.gwu.edu/enroll4benefits.
Reevaluate your eligibility for the Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
If your spouse passed away you may be newly eligible for the Dependent Care FSA and can enroll via go.gwu.edu/enroll4benefits.