Domestic Partner Benefits Policy

Johns Hopkins University extends to domestic partners of faculty and staff the same benefits and privileges offered to spouses and their dependent children. This policy includes all university schools and divisions and extends coverage for such benefits and privileges as: medical and dental plans; dependent personal accident insurance; tuition grant and tuition remission; leave time under the Family and Medical Leave Act; and privileges in using the Hopkins athletic centers and library, and participating in the Johns Hopkins Federal Credit Union.

Policy for Benefits and Privileges of Domestic Partners

Johns Hopkins University extends domestic partners and their dependent children the same benefits and privileges afforded to spouses and dependent children of benefits-eligible faculty, staff, and students.

JHU defines a domestic partner as a non-related adult; with whom you are in a committed relationship. Both you and your domestic partner must be at least 18 years old, committed as a family in a long-term relationship of indefinite duration and are socially, emotionally, and financially interdependent in an exclusive mutual commitment in which you agree to be responsible for each other’s common welfare and share financial obligations. This policy is intended to cover domestic partner relationships, and not persons who are cohabiting simply as roommates.

How to Apply for Domestic Partner or Spouse Benefits

To apply for domestic partner benefits, or if you are applying for spouse benefits that are not currently in effect, you and your domestic partner or spouse must complete the JHU Affidavit of Marriage/Domestic Partnership form. The form should be completed and submitted prior to or coincident with your benefit elections. Should your domestic partnership or marriage terminate, you must complete and submit the JHU Termination Statement of Marriage/Domestic Partnership form within 30 days of the termination.

Tax Consequences of Domestic Partner Benefits

The Internal Revenue Code requires the fair market value of the benefits or privileges provided to domestic partners and their children to be considered taxable income for employment and income tax purposes unless the domestic partner qualifies as a dependent of the employee under Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code. You can look at the domestic partner tax chart for specific dollar amounts.