Overage Dependents/Tax Dependent Status
Overage Dependent/Tax Dependent Status
Job Aid for all Benefit Eligible Employees
Last Updated: Mar 11, 2026
For questions about this job aid, please contact hrs-benefits@uni.edu.
Overview
This process is used to assist in covering a dependent child who is over the age of 26. Under the University of Northern Iowa's group insurance plans, you are eligible to keep your adult child on your health, dental, and/or vision coverage if they are over age 26, unmarried, and enrolled full-time in a college or university. You may also keep your dependent on your coverage if they are your tax dependent and were considered social security disabled prior to the age of 26 or is on Medicare.
Editing Dependents for Full-Time Student/Disability Status
Step 1: Click the Profile icon (1a), then click the View Profile button (1b).
Step 2: Click on Benefits.
Step 3: Click on the My Dependents tab.
Step 4: Next to the name of the dependent you would like to change, click the Edit button.
Step 5: Review the instructions carefully.
Step 6: Choose the correct Effective Date of your change.
Step 7: Click OK.
Step 8: In the Effective Date and Reason section, click the pencil icon to edit.
Step 9: In the Reason field, click the menu icon to select Change Dependent, then select Change Dependent > Other.
Step 10: Click the checkmark icon to save.
Step 11:
Step 11A: If you are updating your dependent due to full-time student status (only check Full-time Student if you are covering a dependent child who is over the age of 26, unmarried and a full-time college student.) Proceed to Step 12.
Step 11B: If you are updating your dependent due disability status (deemed disabled prior to age 26) proceed to Step 13.
Step 12: If you are changing information due to college full-time student status:
Step 12.1: Scroll down to the Is this a full-time student? section, click the pencil icon to edit.
Step 12.2: In the Full-time Student field, check the box.
Step 12.3: In the Student Status Start Date field, type or click the calendar icon to select the start date of the semester.
Step 12.4: Click the checkmark icon to save.
Support
Only check Full-time Student if you are covering a dependent child who is over the age of 26, unmarried and a full-time college student.
Step 13: If your dependent was considered fully disabled prior to reaching the age of 26:
Step 13.1: In the Is This a Person with a Disability? section, click the pencil icon to edit.
Step 13.2: In the Disabled field, check the box.
Step 13.3: Click the checkmark icon to save.
Step 14: Regardless of full-time student status, or disability status, each child dependent over the age of 26 must have the Is This Person Allowed for Tax Deduction? section filled out. In the Is this person allowed for tax deduction? section, click the pencil icon to edit.
Step 15: Allowed for Tax Deduction field pertains to these instructions (the following also appears at the top of the Edit My Dependent screen).
Step 15.1: Do you claim your dependent as a tax dependent? If no, check the Allowed for Tax Deduction box. This will add the IRS required imputed income to your pay.
Step 15.2: Do you claim your dependent as a tax dependent? If yes, do not check Allowed for Tax Deduction. This will remove the obligation of IRS required imputed income.
Support
If your dependent child does not qualify as a tax dependent, you will be taxed on the fair market value of health and dental coverage. This is known as imputed income and is calculated by taking the difference of what the employer (UNI) contributes to a family plan premium and what the employer contributes to the single plan premium.
If you are not sure, consult your tax preparer.
Step 16: Click the checkmark icon to save.
Step 17: Human Resource Services needs proof of full-time student status, or proof of disability.
Examples of Acceptable Documentation:
Course schedule or a letter from the higher-level institution in which courses are being taken
Medicare/Medicaid/SSDI card etc. for a disabled dependent.
Step 18: The required documentation can be uploaded in the Attachments section at the bottom of this page by clicking on the Select files button.
Step 18.1: Add a short description of the document. Ex: Full-time course schedule, or transcript.
Step 18.2: Category should be Dependents.
Support
If you prefer not to attach/upload your document(s) into UNI Works, you can bring the documentation into the Human Resource Services office (GIL 027).
Step 19: Click the Submit button.