What You Need To Know

Ending your relationship with your spouse or domestic partner can be a very difficult time for you and your family. Here’s what you need to know about your benefits and where you can find support and resources. 

Note that you must update your dependents’ enrollments within 31 days of your divorce or legal separation or the ending of your domestic partnership.

Support for Your Emotional Well-being

With separation and divorce, you may need support with many parts of your life — emotional, your living space, your financial situation, sharing custody of your children, and your children’s care and emotional needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to find the right resources for you and your family. 

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Medical, Dental and Vision

  • You must drop coverage for your spouse or domestic partner and other ineligible dependents who are on your current benefits.
  • You can enroll in the Republic Services medical, dental and vision plans if you were covered under your spouse’s or domestic partner’s plans and now need coverage for yourself and/or your eligible dependents.
  • You will need to submit a copy of your final divorce decree.  You have 30 days to submit the documentation once you begin the Qualified Life Event.
  • The documentation is submitted on your benefits record through the Benefits Service Center website.
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Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

If you experience a qualifying life event, you may be able to enroll in an FSA or increase your contributions to meet your needs. You can also submit your new spouse’s and eligible family members’ expenses for reimbursement.

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Voluntary Life and Accident Insurance

With a qualifying life event, such as a divorce or the end of a domestic partnership, you can change your coverage level and purchase additional coverage to meet your needs. You must also drop coverage for your spouse/domestic partner and any other ineligible dependents.

Other actions to review/update:

  • Review/update your personal information in Workday, if needed.
  • Review/update your W-4 deductions and state withholding.
  • Update your beneficiaries for all your benefits, including your life and AD&D insurance, 401(k) and Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
  • Change your name and address with the Social Security Administration and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), if needed.
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