Domestic Partnership Definition
Washington State University defines domestic partners as two individuals who live together in a long-term relationship of indefinite duration. There must be an exclusive mutual commitment similar to that of marriage, in which the partners agree to be financially responsible for each other’s welfare and share financial obligations.
Qualifying Criteria
In order to be recognized as domestic partners by Washington State University, both individuals must meet all of the following criteria, sign an Affidavit of Domestic Partnership Form, and submit it to Human Resource Services.
- Both domestic partners must be unmarried.
- Domestic partners must have been in a mutually exclusive relationship for the past six (6) months and intend to do so indefinitely.
- Domestic partners must have shared the same primary residence for the past six (6) months.
- Domestic partners must meet the age requirements for marriage and not be related by blood to the degree prohibited in a legal marriage in the State of Washington.
- Domestic partners must be mentally competent to consent to contract.
- Domestic partners must be jointly responsible for “basic living expenses.” “Basic living expenses” can be defined as the cost of basic food, shelter, and any other joint expenses. The individuals need not contribute equally or jointly to the cost of these expenses but must agree that they are jointly responsible for the cost.
Termination of Domestic Partnership
If the domestic partnership terminates prior to the end of the policy term, coverage for the domestic partner will terminate on the first day of the month following the date the domestic partner fails to meet the eligibility requirements. A pro-rated return of the domestic partner premium is available upon application. As specified in the Affidavit, termination of the partnership must be reported to Human Resource Services within 30 days of the occurrence.
Domestic Partnership Dependent Coverage
A child of a domestic partner qualifies as an eligible dependent if:
- Either of the domestic partners is the biological parent of the child.
- Either partner is the adoptive parent of the child, or
- The child has been placed in the household as part of an adoptive placement.
Services and Benefits
Domestic partners and their dependents shall be granted the same student medical insurance as those provided to married spouses and their dependents, except where prohibited by law. All plan provisions that affect students, spouses and their families also apply to students, domestic partners, and their families. Married couples and domestic partners alike will be given the opportunity to enroll into the Student Medical Insurance Plan offered to students.
Affidavit of Domestic Partnership Form - Required to enroll domestic partner in the WSU Student Medical Insurance Plan.
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Life is good at WSU.
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A unique richness of students, faculty, location, activities, and organizations creates a full, lively student life at the University. This section gives you the insider's view on student life and a sampling of the opportunities here.
"Glimpses." Students talk about life at WSU
These brief posts are written by WSU students to give you a personal look through their window on campus life.