Must I obtain a court order for custody in order to cover my foster child on my health benefits enrollment?
A court order for permanent custody is acceptable as proof of
dependency, but is not necessarily required.
However, a court order for
temporary custody or a Power of Attorney is not acceptable proof for health
benefits enrollment. Other acceptable proof of foster child status are:
- evidence that the child has been included as a dependent on your tax returns
for previous years;
- canceled checks, money orders, or receipts for periodic payments received
from you for or on behalf of the child;
- evidence of goods or services which show regular or substantial
contributions of considerable value; and
- sworn affidavits from people unrelated to you that the child lives in your
home.
The employing office will ultimately make the final decision as to what proof
is acceptable in an individual case.
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