New Hire Benefits
The Houston County School District provides an array of employee benefits, and as an employee of the system, you should consider that the Board’s contribution to employee benefits adds a significant amount to your pay. We encourage you to review a presentation of the Houston County Benefits Program.
Benefits begin on the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment, and semi-monthly payroll deductions will be taken 1 month in advance of coverage. If you choose not to elect benefits as a new hire, no changes will be allowed until the next Open Enrollment period, unless you have a Qualifying Life Event (QLE).
You will be notified by email and text of your benefit election meeting date and time. This meeting will provide information infomration on the benefits offered in our District as well as completing the benefit enrollment process. Please be sure to regularly check your email.
*When adding dependents, the dependent should be entered in the local benefits portal and State Health / ADP portal as they are listed on the dependent's social security card.*
Please contact the Houston County Schools Benefits Service Center at (866) 671-0721 with any questions.
Definition of a Dependent
- Legally married spouse
- Natural or legally adopted child(ren) or stepchild(ren), under age 26
- Child(ren) due to Legal Guardianship
- Natural or legally adopted child(ren) or stepchild(ren) 26 or older who are physically or mentally disabled prior to age 26, and who are primarily dependent on the enrolled member for support
Required Documentation for Eligible Dependents
If you wish to add dependent(s) (spouse and / or children) to your health plan, you must submit appropriate documentation by the deadline set by ADP. Dependents will not be covered until the documentation is approved.
Non-verified dependents cannot be reinstated until the next open enrollment period and would require appropriate documentation at that time. Additional information can be found on the SHBP website.
Below are examples of the required documentation.
- Spouse – Copy of certified marriage license or copy of most recent Federal Tax Return (filed jointly with spouse) with financial information blacked out and showing the spouse’s signature
- Natural Child – Copy of certified birth certificate
- Step Child – Copy of certified birth certificate reflecting your spouse as the natural parent AND a copy of your marriage license
- Legally Dependent Child – Copy of court decree confirming that you are financially responsible for the dependent AND copy of certified birth certificate
