Verify and enroll my dependents

In most cases, to enroll dependents under your SEBB health plan coverage, you will be required to provide proof they are your dependents. This page helps you find the documents you need to submit to verify and enroll your dependents when you enroll yourself.

On this page

What is dependent verification?

"Dependent verification" is the process that requires you to verify your dependents are your dependents. This process ensures the SEBB Program only covers people who qualify.

There are two exceptions:

  • Extended dependent children are reviewed through a separate process. For details, see the SEBB Extended Dependent Certification.
  • Dependents previously verified by the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) Program. This verification may be used when a subscriber and their dependent moves from PEBB Program coverage to SEBB Program coverage.

We will not enroll a dependent if we cannot verify their eligibility. We reserve the right to review eligibility at any time.

When do I need to provide verification documents?

When you enroll a spouse, state-registered domestic partner, or children.

What are valid dependent verification documents?

Birth certificates, adoption decrees, tax returns, and court-ordered parenting plans are among the types of documents you can use to prove eligibility.

All documents must be submitted in English. Documents written in a foreign language must include a translated copy prepared by a professional translator and certified with a notary public seal.

To enroll a spouse

Along with your enrollment request, provide a copy of (choose one):

  • The most recent year's federal tax return (black out financial information), either:
    • A single return that lists your spouse if you filed jointly.
    • Each return for you and your spouse if you filed separately.
  • A marriage certificate and proof that the marriage is still valid (you do not have to live together), such as a utility bill, life insurance beneficiary document, or bank statement, dated within the last six months showing both your and your spouse's names (black out any financial information). If within six months of marriage, only the marriage certificate is required. If using a utility bill as proof, separate bills with the same address are allowed.
  • Petition for dissolution, petition for legal separation, or petition to invalidate (annul) marriage. Must be filed within the last six months.
  • Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) registration
  • Valid J-1 or J-2 visa issued by the U.S. government
To enroll a state-registered domestic partner

Along with your enrollment request, submit a SEBB Declaration of Tax Status (to indicate whether your state-registered domestic partner qualifies as a dependent for tax purposes), provide a copy of (choose one):

  • Certificate/card of a state-registered domestic partnership or a legal union and proof the partnership is still valid (you do not have to live together), such as a utility bill, life insurance beneficiary document, or bank statement dated within the last six months showing both your and your partner's name (black out any financial information). If within six months of state registration, only the certificate/card is required. If using a utility bill as proof, separate bills with the same address are allowed.
  • Petition to invalidate (annul) (recently filed, within the last six months) a state-registered domestic partnership.

If you are enrolling a partner of a legal union also provide:

  • Proof of Washington State residency for both you and your partner.

Additional dependent verification documents will be required within one year of the partner's enrollment for them to remain enrolled. More information can be found in SEBB Program Administrative Policy 33-1.

To enroll children

Along with your enrollment request, provide a copy of a (choose one):

  • The most recent year's federal tax return that includes the child as a dependent (black out financial information)

You can submit one copy of your tax return as a verification document for several family members that require verification.

  • Birth certificate (or hospital certificate with the child's footprints on it) showing the name of the parent who is the subscriber, the subscriber's spouse or state-registered domestic partner (SRDP)

If the dependent is the subscriber's stepchild, the subscriber must also verify the spouse or SRDP in order to enroll the child, even if not enrolling the spouse or SRDP in SEBB coverage.

  • Certificate or decree of adoption showing the name of the parent who is the subscriber, the subscriber's spouse, or the subscriber's SRDP.
  • Court-ordered parenting plan
  • National Medical Support Notice
  • Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) registration
  • Valid J-2 visa issued by the U.S. government

Additional forms you may need

If you are enrolling the child of a state-registered domestic partner or other nonqualified tax dependent, submit the following form:

If you are enrolling an extended dependent submit the following forms:

If you are enrolling a dependent child, age 26 or older with a disability, also submit the following form:

How do I submit verification documents?

It depends on your situation.

Employees
  • Upload dependent verification documents in Benefits 24/7, or
  • Provide documents directly to your payroll or benefits office.
SEBB Continuation Coverage subscribers

Upload dependent verification documents in Benefits 24/7, or provide documents to the SEBB Program.

By mail

Washington State Health Care Authority
SEBB Program
PO Box 42720
Olympia, WA 98504-2720

By fax

360-725-0771

Electronically

Send a secure online message to SEBB Customer Service. Sign and date any forms you attach to a secure message.

To keep your personal information secure, you will need to register for an account (if you don't already have one) to submit your materials using this method.