Dependent Eligibility

Following is a list of dependents that would qualify for coverage under the State’s benefit plans:

* Employee’s legal spouse
* Employee’s natural children, legally adopted children, and children placed in the home for purpose of adoption in accordance with Chapter 63, Florida Statutes.
* Step Children
* Foster Children
* Children for whom the employee has established legal guardianship pursuant to Chapter 744, Florida Statutes, or court-ordered temporary custody


All children must be under the age of 19 and dependent upon the employee for support. Eligibility for dependent children usually ceases at the end of the month the child turns 19 years of age, but “over-age dependent children” and “disabled children” may be covered beyond the age of 25.

Overage Dependent Children: From age 19 through the end of the calendar year in which the child turns 25 years of age, children must meet both of the following criteria to remain eligible dependents:

A) Must be dependent upon the employee for support, and

B) Must either live with the employee or be a full-time or part-time student


Disabled Children: Children who are mentally or physically disabled are eligible to continue coverage (if already enrolled) after they attain these age limits while the employee’s family coverage is in effect, provided that they are incapable of self-sustaining employment because of a mental or physical disability and are chiefly dependent upon the employee for support and maintenance. Disabled children who are over the age limits described above at the time of the employee’s enrollment in the program, and who are mentally or physically disabled, are eligible for cover if they are incapable of self-sustaining employment because of mental or physical disability, and chiefly dependent upon the employee or retiree for support and maintenance.

Documentation of dependent status is required in all instances. Failure to provide documentation may result in cancellation of coverage.