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Employee Benefits

Welcome

Benefits are more valuable than ever and are a significant part of your total compensation package. The resources and videos here are designed to provide you the information you need so you can identify which offerings are the best for you and your family.

View Your 2027 Benefits Guide (coming soon)
2026 Anthem Medicare Creditable Notice
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Open Enrollment

We know how important benefits are for you and your family. That is why we're committed to offering excellent, well-rounded options that protect your physical, mental, and financial health. Our programs are designed to provide you peace of mind and protect you and your loved ones.

Choosing your benefits takes careful thought and planning. Use this benefits showcase to learn about the benefits available to you and your family.

Benefit changes made during open enrollment will become effective January 1. As a new hire, benefit eligibility begins on the first of the month following the date of hire (or immediately if hired on the first day of the month. 

Open enrollment is from October 26 through November 27.

This is your opportunity to make changes to your current health plan elections for the upcoming plan year. During open enrollment, you may:

Enroll for your benefits

Add or remove dependents

Enroll in spending accounts

No changes needed? No action is required. Your benefits will carry over into 2027.

This site will be available to you on demand all year. Take some time to review this information and return to this site whenever you or your family members have questions or want to review your benefits.

Remember

After this enrollment period, you won't have the opportunity to change coverage, unless you have a qualifying life event, so please make sure you enroll by November 27.

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ENROLL NOW

How to Enroll

Enrolling in your benefits is a simple, step-by-step process:

  1. Log in to Dayforce during the enrollment period.

  2. Review available plans and compare coverage options.

  3. Select the benefits that best meet your needs, including coverage for eligible dependents.

  4. Confirm your elections and submit your enrollment.

Once submitted, your benefit selections will remain in effect for the plan year unless you experience a qualifying life event.

If you're locked out of Dayforce, call the Department of Technology (DOT).

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Dayforce Instructions

Dependents

Dependents typically include your spouse or domestic partner and children under age 26 (or 19 if not enrolled in school full-time). Some plans may have different age limits. Check your plan documents for specific eligibility criteria.

A qualifying life events allow changes to your dependent coverage. These include marriage, divorce, birth, adoption, or loss of other coverage. You'll need to submit a life event form within 30 days of the event. You'll typically need a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or domestic partnership certificate. For dependent verification, keep original documents or certified copies readily available for HR.

Beneficiary Designation

Designating a beneficiary is important because it ensures that life insurance proceeds and other death benefits go to the person you choose. Without a designation, benefits may be subject to probate or distributed according to state law.

You should review your beneficiary after major life events like marriage, divorce, birth, or significant changes in your family situation. It's a good practice to review annually.

You can name multiple beneficiaries--you can name primary and contingent beneficiaries, and split proceeds among multiple people. You control the percentage each person receives.

Qualifying Life Events

The City supports employee benefit changes throughout the year through our life event processes.

  • Life event changes must be completed within 30 days of the qualifying event

  • Qualifying life events include marriage, birth, divorce, and employment changes 

Important Notes

  • Union affiliation may affect benefit availability (e.g., FOP does not include STD coverage)

  • Employees should verify all beneficiary and contact information annually (in Dayforce)

  • For Dayforce access issues, contact the Department of Technology (DOT)

Have benefit questions?

Contact the EBW Team

Email: EmployeeBenefitsandWellness@columbus.gov

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