Domestic Partner Benefit Information for State Employees

Fair Wisconsin is pleased to share with you some additional information regarding the newly-enacted domestic partner benefits for state employees. The Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) has developed a reference guide, available on the ETF Internet site at:

http://www.etf.wi.gov/publications/domestic_partners.htm

The new provisions permit same-sex and opposite-sex domestic partners of state employees to receive benefit programs administered by ETF, including the Wisconsin Retirement System, group health insurance, deferred compensation, life insurance and other programs. The new provisions are effective on January 1, 2010.

The material on the ETF site includes a "frequently asked question" document, an affidavit verifying the creation of a domestic partnership for Ch. 40 benefit purposes, and other important information. The affidavit must be completed and submitted to ETF to establish a domestic partnership and to be eligible for the benefits administered by ETF.

For information about the domestic partner registry, which is separate from domestic partner benefits for state employees, click here.