Dependent Eligibility Verification Audit

At Microsoft, we’re dedicated to providing you and your family with the most sustainable benefits. To maintain plan compliance and preserve the integrity of our benefits programs, we’re conducting a Dependent Verification Audit across all US employees to confirm that all dependents enrolled in Microsoft Medical, Dental, and/or Vision plans meet the eligibility criteria. This includes spouses, domestic partners (DPs), and children.

What you need to do:

Please take time to understand the documentation requirements (see table below) and gather your documents.

You now have until 3/6/2026 to submit the required documentation in order to keep coverage active for your dependent(s). If documentation isn’t received by the deadline, benefits for non-verified dependent(s) will be terminated from coverage effective 5/01/2026 and will not be offered COBRA.

Watch this short video to learn more about the audit and see how easy it is to upload your documents.

What you need to do:

Start by gathering the necessary documents. Check the list of required documents on the table below.

The quickest and easiest way to submit is by using the MyChoice Mobile App*. If you haven’t already, download the app using the QR code below and follow the instructions to sign-in:

QR code

*This is optional, using the app is not required. You can still submit your documents online via the benefits enrollment tool at aka.ms/BenefitsEnroll.

Once you have successfully downloaded the app, you can ignore the “login page” instructions and simply navigate to aka.ms/BenefitsEnroll on a Microsoft managed device and click on “Access the App”. You will be presented with a personalized QR code to finalize the setup process.

What is required to verify my dependent's eligibility?

The first page of your 2024 or 2025 Form 1040 is the preferred method of satisfying the documentation requirement for this audit. The first page of the actual Form 1040 (not your tax preparer’s cover letter) shows your dependents and their relationship to you, so this one piece of documentation can be used to validate multiple dependents’ eligibility. Additionally, since it is a standardized federal form, it has the highest chance of being instantly verified by the tool. You should redact any non-relevant information such as SSNs, income and financial fields before submitting your Form 1040.

If you cannot provide your Form 1040, there are other documents that will suffice. It is your responsibility to know which document(s) are required to properly validate your dependent. See below for a detailed table of acceptable documents by dependent type. Any dependent that remains unverified by the deadline will be dropped from coverage effective May 1, 2026 and will not be eligible for COBRA.

Confidentiality reminder: To protect your privacy, only the tax year and employee and dependent names are needed on your submitted documents. You should black out Social Security Numbers (SSNs) and financial details, as they are not required. If submitting your Form 1040 to verify your dependents, please note that we do need the full first page that shows employee and dependent information, along with the tax year. Please do not submit the entire form, just the first page. For reference, here is a sample Form 1040 that has been redacted to hide SSNs and non-required financial information.

Dependent Relationship	Documentation Required for Verification Audit
Spouse	[Preferred] Option 1: First page of your 2024 or 2025 Federal tax return (IRS Form 1040) showing Spouse’s name (please redact SSNs and financial information) OR Option 2: Government Issued Marriage Certificate plus cohabitation support (if applicable, see the below for details): If married less than 3 years (January 1, 2023, or more recent), government issued marriage certificate accepted in place of IRS Form 1040 If married more than 3 years (before January 1, 2023), government issued marriage certificate *and* one (1) document substantiating cohabitation within the last 6 months: Proof of joint ownership dated within 6 months prior to 2/3/2026 (must include employee and spouse’s names and a single address on file for the document, please redact other non-pertinent confidential and/or financial information) Examples: bank account, credit account, government issued utility account, brokerage account, mortgage, leasehold, insurance (renters, homeowners)
Common Law Spouse	[Preferred] Option 1: First page of your 2024 or 2025 Federal tax return (IRS Form 1040) showing Spouse’s name (please redact SSNs and financial information) OR Option 2: Affidavit of Domestic Partnership AND Proof substantiating joint financial responsibility that is demonstrated by at least one of the following dated in the last 6 months (please redact non-pertinent confidential and/or financial information): Common ownership of real property (joint deed or mortgage agreement) or a common leasehold interest in property (joint lease) Common ownership of a motor vehicle Proof of joint bank accounts, credit accounts or utility accounts
Domestic Partner	Affidavit of Domestic Partnership notarized within the last 3 years (January 1, 2023, or more recent) OR If more than 3 years (before January 1, 2023), Affidavit of Domestic Partnership plus additional document substantiating cohabitation within the last 6 months: Proof of joint ownership dated within 6 months prior to 2/3/2026 (must include employee and spouse’s names and a single address on file for the document, please redact other non-pertinent confidential and/or financial information) Examples: bank account, credit account, government issued utility account, brokerage account, mortgage, leasehold, insurance (renters, homeowners)
Child(ren)	[Preferred] Option 1: First page of your 2024 or 2025 Federal tax return (IRS Form 1040) showing Child(ren)’s name (please redact SSNs and financial information) OR Option 2: Government Issued Birth Certificate (not hospital issued) or Adoption Decree/Court documentation confirming adoption showing Child's name Date of birth Parents' names OR Option 3: (If under six months of age) Hospital issued birth document showing Child's name Date of birth Parents' names *For children born outside the United States, an equivalent, translated document from country of birth is accepted in place of IRS Form 1040 or birth certificate
Stepchild(ren)	[Preferred] Option 1: First page of your 2024 or 2025 Federal tax return (IRS Form 1040) showing Stepchild(ren)’s name (please redact SSNs and financial information) OR Option 2: Government Issued Birth Certificate (not hospital issued) showing Child's name Date of birth Parents' names AND Spouse Requirements (see Spouse section)
Child of Domestic Partner	Option 1: Government Issued Birth Certificate (not hospital issued) showing Child's name Date of birth Parents' names AND Domestic Partner Requirements (see Domestic Partner section) Note: Your Domestic Partner must be covered under the plans in order for the Child of Domestic Partner to be covered
Documents Substantiating Cohabitation	Acceptable Proof: Proof of joint ownership dated within 6 months prior to 2/3/2026 (must include employee and spouse’s names and a single address on file for the document, please redact other non-pertinent confidential and/or financial information) Examples: bank account, credit account, government issued utility account, brokerage account, mortgage, leasehold, insurance (renters, homeowners) NOT Acceptable: Document dated prior to 8/3/2025 (6 months or older) Driver’s licenses (even if they show the employee and spouse share an address) Picture of employee’s and spouse’s credit cards (even if they share the same account number)

Document translation: If you are submitting documents in a language other than English or Spanish, please ensure they are translated from the original copy to English before submission.

1. Gather Your Required Documentation. Gather the necessary information for each dependent based on the chart in the How it works section

2. Submit your documents. You can submit your documents using either the MyChoice Mobile App or the Benefits Enrollment (aka.ms/benefitsenroll) website

Using the MyChoice benefits app*. The quickest and easiest way to submit is by using the MyChoice Mobile App. If you haven’t already, download the app using the QR code below and follow the instructions to sign-in:

QR code

*This is optional, using the app is not required. You can still submit your documents online via the benefits enrollment tool at aka.ms/BenefitsEnroll

Once you have successfully downloaded the app, you can ignore the “login page” instructions and simply navigate to aka.ms/BenefitsEnroll on a Microsoft managed device and click on “Access the App”. You will be presented with a personalized QR code to finalize the setup process.

Once in the app, go to My Tasks at the top of your home screen, then select a task to see what's needed and check your document status.

Using a desktop or laptop:

1. Log in at aka.ms/benefitsenroll.
2. From the homepage, find My Tasks near the top of the page, or select your name
  in the top-right corner and choose Profile > Your Dependents.
  You'll see what's required and when it’s due directly in the My Tasks section or on the Your Dependents page.
3. Under Your Dependents select and expand dependent and click the Submit Document link next to the file icon. A Dependent Document Disclaimer and Attestation message will appear. Click I Agree to continue.
4. Drag and drop files, or click Browse Files and select your scanned document or photo. Once document shows 100%, click Close.

Note: PDF and JPEG file types are recommended. Make sure the image is clear and displays your dependent(s) name and information.

3. Check the Status of Your Dependent(s) Verification.

Once you have submitted the required documentation for the dependent verification audit, follow these steps to check the status of your dependent(s).
1. Click Check the Status of Your Dependents on the Your Dependents page
2. Click your name in the top right corner,
3. Select Profile,
4. Then navigate to the Your Dependents page
You will receive confirmation of the outcome of your dependent eligibility review within 30 days of 05/01/2026, often earlier if approved or if additional documentation is required.

IMPORTANT: It is your responsibility to review the requirements and select the right documentation based on your dependent type. Some situations may require more than one document. For example, if you do not submit a 1040 tax form for your spouse, you may need both a marriage certificate and proof of cohabitation. Visit the Required documentation section to learn more about the documentation required by dependent type.

Confidentiality reminder: To protect your privacy, only employee and dependent names are needed on your submitted documents. You should black out Social Security Numbers (SSNs) and financial details, as they are not required. For reference, here is a sample Form 1040 that has been redacted to hide SSNs and non-required financial information.

Dependent Relationship	Documentation Required for Verification Audit
Spouse	[Preferred] Option 1: First page of your 2024 or 2025 Federal tax return (IRS Form 1040) showing Spouse’s name (please redact SSNs and financial information) OR Option 2: Government Issued Marriage Certificate plus cohabitation support (if applicable, see the below for details): If married less than 3 years (January 1, 2023, or more recent), government issued marriage certificate accepted in place of IRS Form 1040 If married more than 3 years (before January 1, 2023), government issued marriage certificate *and* one (1) document substantiating cohabitation within the last 6 months: Proof of joint ownership dated within 6 months prior to 2/3/2026 (must include employee and spouse’s names and a single address on file for the document, please redact other non-pertinent confidential and/or financial information) Examples: bank account, credit account, government issued utility account, brokerage account, mortgage, leasehold, insurance (renters, homeowners)
Common Law Spouse	[Preferred] Option 1: First page of your 2024 or 2025 Federal tax return (IRS Form 1040) showing Spouse’s name (please redact SSNs and financial information) OR Option 2: Affidavit of Domestic Partnership AND Proof substantiating joint financial responsibility that is demonstrated by at least one of the following dated in the last 6 months (please redact non-pertinent confidential and/or financial information): Common ownership of real property (joint deed or mortgage agreement) or a common leasehold interest in property (joint lease) Common ownership of a motor vehicle Proof of joint bank accounts, credit accounts or utility accounts
Domestic Partner	Affidavit of Domestic Partnership notarized within the last 3 years (January 1, 2023, or more recent) OR If more than 3 years (before January 1, 2023), Affidavit of Domestic Partnership plus additional document substantiating cohabitation within the last 6 months: Proof of joint ownership dated within 6 months prior to 2/3/2026 (must include employee and spouse’s names and a single address on file for the document, please redact other non-pertinent confidential and/or financial information) Examples: bank account, credit account, government issued utility account, brokerage account, mortgage, leasehold, insurance (renters, homeowners)
Child(ren)	[Preferred] Option 1: First page of your 2024 or 2025 Federal tax return (IRS Form 1040) showing Child(ren)’s name (please redact SSNs and financial information) OR Option 2: Government Issued Birth Certificate (not hospital issued) or Adoption Decree/Court documentation confirming adoption showing Child's name Date of birth Parents' names OR Option 3: (If under six months of age) Hospital issued birth document showing Child's name Date of birth Parents' names *For children born outside the United States, an equivalent, translated document from country of birth is accepted in place of IRS Form 1040 or birth certificate
Stepchild(ren)	[Preferred] Option 1: First page of your 2024 or 2025 Federal tax return (IRS Form 1040) showing Stepchild(ren)’s name (please redact SSNs and financial information) OR Option 2: Government Issued Birth Certificate (not hospital issued) showing Child's name Date of birth Parents' names AND Spouse Requirements (see Spouse section)
Child of Domestic Partner	Option 1: Government Issued Birth Certificate (not hospital issued) showing Child's name Date of birth Parents' names AND Domestic Partner Requirements (see Domestic Partner section) Note: Your Domestic Partner must be covered under the plans in order for the Child of Domestic Partner to be covered
Documents Substantiating Cohabitation	Acceptable Proof: Proof of joint ownership dated within 6 months prior to 2/3/2026 (must include employee and spouse’s names and a single address on file for the document, please redact other non-pertinent confidential and/or financial information) Examples: bank account, credit account, government issued utility account, brokerage account, mortgage, leasehold, insurance (renters, homeowners) NOT Acceptable: Document dated prior to 8/3/2025 (6 months or older) Driver’s licenses (even if they show the employee and spouse share an address) Picture of employee’s and spouse’s credit cards (even if they share the same account number)

Document translation: If you are submitting documents in a language other than English or Spanish, please ensure they are translated from the original copy to English before submission.

For any additional assistance, or if you are experiencing any technical issues or have questions regarding the documentation required, reach out to the Businessolver Verification Support team by phone at 866-477-8177, Monday-Friday, 5AM-5PM PT.

Dependent Verification Audit FAQs

What is dependent verification?

Dependent Eligibility Verification (“DEV”) audits are common and advisable for employer-sponsored plans, as they help ensure compliance with legal and fiduciary obligations, protect the tax-qualified status of plan benefits, enhance administrative and data accuracy, and mitigate litigation and regulatory risk for the company and the plan.

Dependent verification is a process used by organizations to confirm that all dependents enrolled in a group health benefit plan are eligible for coverage. Dependent verification requires employees to provide documentation to validate the relationship between the employee and the dependent.

How do I know which dependents are in the audit and their status throughout the audit?

Once the audit is live you will be able to go to aka.ms/benefitsenroll and navigate to the Your Dependents page to see who is included in the audit.

To find the Your Dependents page, go to Profile by clicking your name in the upper right corner, then navigate to the Your Dependents page.

You can check the Your Dependents page throughout the audit to see your dependent(s) status and if additional action is necessary.

If my dependent(s) was approved during Open Enrollment, a recent Life Event or a recent New Hire event, will I need to resubmit documentation?

If I have a new dependent(s) during this dependent audit period, do I still need to submit documentation?

What do I need to do to ensure my dependent(s) remains covered?

To avoid loss of dependent(s) coverage, it is important to upload the required documentation for your dependent/s to aka.ms/benefitsenroll or the MyChoice Mobile app, click Profile and then Your Dependents page.

You can also chat with Sofia, your virtual benefits assistant, and ask her, “what dependents need verification for the dependent audit?”. You can chat with Sofia at aka.ms/benefitsenroll or via your MyChoice benefits app. To see a list of acceptable documents by dependent type, please visit aka.ms/benefits/DepAudit.

You have through 03/06/2026 to submit the requested documentation for your non-verified dependent(s) covered on company-provided medical, dental, and/or vision plans. If the required documentation is not received by 03/06/2026, non-verified dependent(s) will be removed from coverage effective 05/01/2026 (last day of coverage is 4/30/2026).

Why do I have to submit documentation for my dependent(s)?

By providing documentation, we can make sure benefit dollars are only used for eligible dependents. This ultimately makes our plans more affordable and sustainable.

What happens if I do not submit my documentation by 03/06/2026?

If you do not provide the required documentation by the 3/6/2026 deadline, or knowingly submit false information for your enrolled dependent(s), your dependents will be deemed Non-verified. Non-verified dependents will be removed from the plan effective 05/01/2026 (last day of coverage will be 4/30/2026).

IMPORTANT. Non-verified dependents do not qualify for COBRA coverage, so it is important that you take action to ensure no loss of coverage for your dependents.

My dependents have been on coverage for years, why do I have to do this now?

By providing documentation, we can make sure benefit dollars are only used for eligible dependents. This ultimately makes our plans more affordable and sustainable.

If I am on leave, am I still required to verify my dependents by 05/01/2026?

Will I have another opportunity to add dependents if I miss the deadline to submit documentation?

If you missed the deadline to submit documentation for your dependent(s), you will not have another opportunity to add them until the next Open Enrollment for benefit coverage effective January 1, 2027 unless you have a qualifying life event, such as a marriage, divorce, birth/adoption of a child, loss of eligibility under a prior health plan, etc. If you experience a qualifying life event, you have 30 days to update your benefits.

Additionally, if your dependent remained Non-verified as a result of the audit, you may appeal the decision. Appeal instructions will be provided after the audit closes on 3/6/2026.

Can exceptions be granted to allow my ineligible dependent to stay covered?

Can I get an extended deadline?

Can I drop my dependents coverage without a qualifying life event before or during the audit?

If you want to drop a dependent from coverage without experiencing a qualifying life event before the audit starts or during the audit, you use the Opt Out option to stop receiving audit notices. Your dependent will be dropped from coverage effective 05/01/2026. IMPORTANT: dependents dropped from coverage by utilizing the Opt Out function are deemed ineligible and are not eligible for COBRA.

Do not use the Opt Out functionality to remove a dependent who is or will be aging out of the plan at age 26. Dependents who are removed from coverage due to their attaining age 26 are COBRA eligible and our plan already has a process in place to properly remove their coverage and issue COBRA paperwork to them.

If you experience a qualifying life event prior to the audit starting or during the audit, please report your qualifying life event.

The documentation required contains sensitive data. What can I do to protect my information?

Microsoft has contracted with Businessolver (“BSC”) to administer our Welfare Plan eligibility, enrollment and recordkeeping processes, including the DEV audit. BSC is a secure, HIPAA-compliant supplier, and is required to use any information received in the DEV audit solely for plan eligibility verification purposes. As our existing benefits administrator, BSC already receives information such as names, DOBs and SSNs of Microsoft employees and their covered dependents in order to ensure proper coverage under our plan. The purpose of the DEV audit is to ensure the dependent data received is accurate and current.

Additionally, as a vendor of Microsoft, BSC must maintain compliance with our internal policies such as SSPA (annual review) and the Microsoft Data Privacy Notice.

The most secure way to verify your dependents is to upload your documents via the MyChoice Mobile App or at aka.ms/benefitsenroll through 03/06/2026.

Protecting personal information is our priority. In compliance with applicable U.S. (federal) and state regulations, information and documentation submitted to aka.ms/benefitsenroll for the dependent verification audit is stored, processed, and protected by physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards.

If you are submitting the IRS Form 1040, only the first full page with the relevant information that shows full name and relationship to the employee is required. You should redact SSNs and financial data.

Will my dependent(s) receive a new insurance card or can they continue to use the old one?

If you successfully verified all your dependents, there is no impact to your medical insurance ID cards.

If one or more of your dependents is removed from coverage as a result of the audit, your deductible may be impacted and you may receive new ID cards for yourself and your family. Please contact your medical coverage provider for questions.

I cannot locate my Marriage Certificate.

I cannot locate my child's Birth Certificate.

Can I submit other eligible IRS Forms?

I filed my taxes in a Single Status.

You can submit your IRS Form 1040 showing your single filing status along with your spouse’s tax return for the same tax year showing married, filing separately where the link to you and your spouse can be discerned. —OR—

If married less than 3 years (January 1, 2023, or more recent), government issued marriage certificate accepted in place of IRS Form 1040.
If married more than 3 years (before than January 1, 2023), government issued marriage certificate and 1 document substantiating cohabitation within the last 6 months.

I file my taxes using head of household status.

You can submit your IRS Form 1040 showing your single filing status along with your spouse’s tax return for the same tax year showing married, filing separately where the link to each can be discerned. —OR—

If married less than 3 years (January 1, 2023, or more recent), government issued marriage certificate accepted in place of IRS Form 1040.