Jumpseatnews.com - United Airlines flight attendant resources
Benefits for Same-Gender Spouses
Date: Sep 17, 2013
Source: unitedafa.org
United has begun implementing many of the necessary benefit changes resulting from the June 2013 ruling of the United States Supreme Court on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). This ruling insures full health and welfare, retirement plan and pass travel benefits for married, same-gender couples.
Flight Attendants now have 45 days from Monday, September 16 to contact the United Airlines Benefits Center (800-651-1007, Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT) to add/change their eligible dependents. Valid election changes made during this 45-day period will have an effective date of Oct. 1, 2013. Legal same-gender spouses will also be recognized under our retirement plans. Eligible Flight Attendants with same-gender spouses should update their beneficiary designations and spousal information where applicable by contacting their retirement plan administrators.
Below we have provided some guidance for qualifying Flight Attendants and will continue to update this page as more information is available.
| United's Benefits and Travel Programs (if eligible) | Some Implications of the Treasury/IRS Ruling on Same-Gender Spouses | Is any action required now? |
|---|---|---|
| Travel | Travel by same-gender spouse and their children will be exempt from federal income tax, but state income taxes may be applicable depending on the employee's state of residence. | Yes - Employees and retirees can add their same-gender spouse to their employee travel profile through Flying Together > Travel > All About Me- Manage Pass Riders. More Information |
| Medical/Dental/Vision | Benefits for same-gender spouse and their children will be exempt from federal income tax, but state income taxes may be applicable depending on the employee's state of residence. | Yes - Must contact the United Airlines Benefits Center (1-800-651-1007, Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central time) by October 30, 2013. |
| Flexible Spending Accounts | Eligible expenses for same-gender spouse and their children can be reimbursed | Yes - Must contact the United Airlines Benefits Center (1-800-651-1007, Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central time) by October 30, 2013. |
| 401(k) Plan (administered by Fidelity) |
Same-gender spouse is automatically your primary beneficiary Same-gender spousal consent is required to name a non-spousal beneficiary and for certain plan distributions |
No enrollment required, but you are encouraged to review and update your beneficiary designation via www.401k.com - click Your Profile and then click the Beneficiaries link in the About You section. |
| Retirement (administered by PBGC) |
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation's (PBGC) website, www.pbgc.gov, 1-800-400-7242 (Refer to case #19962800) |
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