Policy/Memo 66r1

Number: Policy Memo 66r1
Date Issued: December 14, 1992
Date Revised: May 11, 2018
Policy File Ref: A340
Subject: Dependent Survivors Who Are NYSHIP Benefits Eligible Through Employment

PURPOSE:

Determine if a dependent survivor who has NYSHIP benefits eligible employment can enroll in coverage as an active employee and resume dependent survivor coverage at a later date.

Background:

A dependent survivor has become employed by the State and wishes to know whether she can enroll in NYSHIP as an active enrollee and resume dependent survivor coverage at a later date.

Policy:

Permit a dependent survivor who is employed in a benefits eligible position with the State, a participating agency, or a participating employer to enroll in NYSHIP coverage as an active employee and later re-enroll in dependent survivor coverage, with eligible dependents where applicable. The dependent survivor must maintain continuous coverage in NYSHIP to be eligible to re-enroll in survivor coverage.

In addition, the dependent must have elected to enroll in survivor coverage within 90 days of the death of the enrollee in accordance with 4 CRR-NY 73.2 (b)(2). If the dependent fails to request dependent survivor coverage in a timely manner, he or she is permanently ineligible for survivor coverage. Furthermore, all enrollments and disenrollments of active employee coverage are subject to pre-tax contribution program rules.