Coming in February 2026: If you plan to cover an eligible dependent on your medical, dental, or vision plan, you will need to complete a one-time verification, even for dependents that are currently covered. This verification must be completed at aka.ms/BenefitsEnroll between February 3, 2026, and March 6, 2026.
If the dependents you currently cover haven't been verified by March 6, they will be removed from your benefits plans effective May 1st, 2026, and will not be eligible for COBRA coverage.
This new verification process ensures compliance with IRS regulations and our Microsoft plan documents. Additionally, this process makes sure that the company's investment in healthcare coverage is directed to our employees and their eligible dependents.
What you need to know:
- The document(s) required to verify a dependent's eligibility will vary according to who you want to cover. Examples include a birth certificate, adoption documents, marriage license, IRS Form 1040, and Affidavit of Domestic Partnership.
- It's a good idea to begin collecting these documents now to help ensure you are prepared to complete the verification process.
- The dependent eligibility verification process for existing dependents will begin in February 2026, and you will be notified of the documentation needed.
- Effective October 8, 2025, the dependent eligibility verification process will begin for new dependents.
- Documents will need to be submitted electronically through the Businessolver mobile app, MyChoice, available on the App Store and Google Play, or through aka.ms/BenefitsEnroll.
- This is a one-time process for each dependent. Once a dependent is verified, you will not be required to re-upload their supporting documentation each year you continue to cover them as a dependent. However, whenever you have new dependents (from a major life event such as marriage, birth, adoption, etc.), you will need to provide proof of eligibility to enroll them in coverage.
Note: The qualifications of an eligible dependent for health and wellbeing benefits coverage are not changing. Eligible dependents continue to include your:
- Legally married spouse
- Domestic partner (same or opposite sex)
- Dependent children (until the end of the month in which they turn 26)
- Incapacitated dependent children age 26 or over
What you need to do
There are two primary steps you will need to take if you cover dependents in 2026:
- Ensure the eligibility of your dependents using the criteria above before you make your 2026 benefit elections. If you have questions about a dependent's eligibility, call 866-477-8177.
- Submit the required documentation between February 3 and March 6, 2026. In January, you will receive communication from Businessolver providing details on the documentation you need to submit, how to submit it, and the deadline for submission. At this time, our goal is to help you understand what is happening and what you will be required to do in order to keep your eligible dependents enrolled in Microsoft health and wellbeing benefits. Stay tuned for specific information on the verification process coming in January!
