Birth or Adoption

Congratulations on the birth or adoption of your child!

The birth or adoption of a child may allow you to make changes to some of your benefit plan elections. There are other items that may also need your attention at this time. The following information has been prepared to assist you:

Before the Child Arrives

  • The type and amount of time off available to you depends on many factors. You may be eligible for leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). When FMLA is an option, it is open to both mothers and fathers. Details on the University FMLA policy are located in the Faculty and Staff Handbooks, and in the Forms & Policies section of myBucknell. Additionally, you may be eligible for medical leave. Discuss your needs and eligibility with Human Resources/Provost's Office well in advance of your planned absence.
  • The status of your benefits during your leave will depend on the type of leave you take. For example, if you take leave under the FMLA, your benefits are not affected beyond how you pay for them. If you take a personal (unpaid) leave of absence, your benefits may be affected. Consult Human Resources for information regarding the status of your benefits during unpaid leave periods.
  • Consider whether you need to cover your new child under your health plan. Please note that enrollment is not automatic. Pay close attention to deadlines for enrolling your child for coverage.
  • If you qualify for the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Health Advocate EAP & Work/Life Program can provide you with information on such matters as becoming a parent, preparing for a new baby, handling the stress and changes of parenthood and more.

After Your Child Arrives

  • If you plan to add your new child to your medical benefit plan, You can do so via the Benefits worklet in Workday. Once in the Benefits worklet, select the Benefits option in the upper left box to begin the enrollment process. You will be required to upload a copy of the birth certificate or placement for adoption paperwork, as proof of relationship, before the enrollment will be approved. You must do this within 31 days of the birth or placement for adoption, in order for the child to be eligible for coverage.
  • Apply for a Social Security number for your child.
  • Before you return from leave, notify the FMLA Administrator and your department if there is a change to your expected date of return.
  • If you return to work from an unpaid leave of absence, review the effect on benefits to determine what you are permitted to do regarding enrollment. Enrollment is not automatic and must be done within a certain time frame.
  • Be sure to check your earnings statement to verify that your benefit elections are correct, including the additional premiums for coverage for your new child, if applicable.

 

FMLA ADMINISTRATOR 

Phone:  (570) 577-1631
hr-leaves@bucknell.edu