Life Insurance for Dependents

Life Insurance for Spouses/Same-Sex Domestic Partners

You may purchase term life insurance for your spouse/same-sex domestic partner in an amount not to exceed your own combined basic and supplemental life.  You can choose coverage for your spouse/same-sex domestic partner in the amounts of $10,000 or $20,000 without providing a Statement of Health. Coverage levels of $40,000, $60,000, $80,000 and $100,000 may also be elected; however, your spouse/same-sex domestic partner must complete and submit a Statement of Health form and have it approved by MetLife. You are automatically the beneficiary of spouse/same-sex domestic partner coverage.

Life Insurance for Children

You can purchase term life insurance coverage for your eligible unmarried dependent child(ren) under the age of 26 in the amount of $10,000, provided they are dependent upon you for support and maintenance. Disabled children over age 26 may be eligible for continued coverage, if they were disabled prior to their 26th birthday, were previously enrolled in coverage and MetLife approves the application. Contact HR Shared Services to request the application, which must be completed by you and your child’s physician.

Coverage on your child cannot exceed the amount of your combined basic and supplemental life coverage. A MetLife Statement of Health is not required to purchase this coverage.  You are automatically the beneficiary of your life insurance coverage for your child(ren).

Please note the following:

  • If you and your spouse/same-sex domestic partner are Syracuse University employees, you both may purchase coverage on the same child(ren) and you both would receive a benefit payment should a child pass away.
  • Your eligible dependent cannot also be eligible for coverage as a University employee.

Contributions – Spouse/Partner

Rates are based on the twelve-month calendar year and are paid on an after-tax basis. Actual deductions from each paycheck will vary depending upon your deduction cycle.  Follow the example to estimate your cost.  Your actual cost will display when you enroll in MySlice.

Spouse/Partner AgeRates
Monthly Cost per Thousand
Under age 25$0.043
25 through 29$0.051
30 through 34$0.068
35 through 39$0.077
40 through 44$0.10
45 through 49$0.13
50 through 54$0.196
55 through 59$0.366
60 through 64$0.561
65 through 69$1.08
Age 70 and up$1.921

  1. Find the monthly rate
    Look up your spouse/partner’s age in the rate chart.
    (Example: Age 48 = $0.13 per $1,000 of coverage)

  2. Choose your coverage amount
    Example: $80,000

  3. Divide by 1,000
    $80,000 ÷ 1,000 = 80

  4. Multiply by the rate
    80 × $0.13 = $10.40 per month

  5. Convert to paycheck deduction
    Multiply by 12 (months) and divide by the number of paychecks you receive per year:

  • Paid weekly over the fiscal year:  52 pays
  • Paid weekly over the academic year:  37 pays
  • Paid semi-monthly over the fiscal year:  24 pays
  • Paid semi-monthly over the academic year: 18 pays

        Example Calculation for Semi-Monthly Fiscal Year Employee:
        $10.40 × 12 = $124.80/year
        $124.80 ÷ 24 = $5.20 per paycheck

Contributions – Children

Rates are based on the twelve-month calendar year. Actual deductions from each paycheck will vary depending upon your deduction cycle.  Follow the example to estimate your cost.  Your actual cost will display when you enroll in MySlice.

You pay the same flat rate no matter how many children you cover.  Your monthly cost is $0.537 paid on an after-tax basis.

If you’re paid semi-monthly (24 times a year):
$0.537 × 12 months = $6.44 per year ÷ 24 = $0.27 per paycheck

If you have any questions or need an accommodation to access information on this webpage, please contact HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042.

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