As part of its commitment to diversity, Duke extended benefit coverage for many years to the same-sex partners of eligible faculty and staff because the rights and legal status of marriage were not available to them. However, in 2015, same-sex partners obtained the legal right to marry in North Carolina.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2016, all faculty and staff, regardless of sexual orientation, must be legally married to cover a partner or partner’s child for benefits or applicable policies.
Any registered same-sex partners who are not legally married will still not be able to take advantage of the federal and state tax savings for payment of these benefits unless legally married or able to claim one’s partner as a dependent as defined by the IRS and the tax code.
The terms "partner" and "same sex spousal equivalent" will be used interchangeably.
Important Note
Your benefits are paid to you based on legal documents - not on this overview or any other written or oral statements. You are welcome to see those legal documents, and you are invited to discuss any questions you have with a Benefits representative. Duke reserves the right to change, amend or terminate plans or programs in the future.