Benefits for You and Your Significant Other

It’s a new day and age in America. It’s time to look at what’s available to you and your life partner as far as company benefits go. In 2011 there are a number of Fortune 100 as well as Fortune 500 companies offering employees domestic partner benefits.

The best thing to do is look at all your options at your place of work. Make sure to read over everything, understand the benefits, and ask questions. The most popular benefits offered include:

-Health Benefits (medical, dental, vision)
-Benefits such as FMLA (Family Leave Assistance)
-Bereavement Leave, Relocation/Travel Assistance, Education & Tuition Assistance, Adoption Assistance, Credit Union Membership, Disability, Life Insurance & Employee Discounts
-Financial Retirement Benefits (Pensions & 401K’s)

Accepted Forms of Proof for Employers

An employer may require you to provide proof of you and your partner’s relations and togetherness. Here are some examples of proof for Employers.

Domestic Partner Affidavits

Many of these Domestic Partner Affidavits are specifically designed by each company or insurance agency. Some of the most common forms of legitimate proof include:

-Legal age of 18 years or older
-Not a blood relative
-Equally responsible for finances (joint bank account)
-Must Live Together (both names on bills, ID’s)
-Not in any sort of relations with another
-Must be in a faithful committed and public relationship for at least 6 months

State or Municipal Domestic Partnership Registration

See your local government or court website for information pertaining to your Jurisdiction State or Country.

State Civil Union

Very similar to marriage and grants same-sex couples equal rights to that of married couples 13 different states allow it. See Article on “What’s Legal and Where?”

State Marriage License or Marriage License from another country

7 Different States and 10 different Countries some performed and Legalized. See Article on “What’s Legal and Where?”

Article Written by © 2011 Jae Suarez

Just an idea of companies offering benefits from Diversity Inc.

Diversity Inc Top 10 companies offering benefits to LGBT employees
1. KPMG
2. Wells Fargo & Co
3. IBM Corp
4. Aetna
5. Ernst & Young
6. Price Waterhouse Coopers
7. Sodexo
8. Bank of America
9. Merck & Co
10. American Express Co

Source credit goes to ©2011 Barbara Frankel for the Top 10 Company’s research