Understanding when you can enroll in or make changes to your benefits can be confusing, especially since different rules apply depending on the situation. This comparison chart is designed to help you quickly understand when you can enroll, what changes are allowed, and when coverage takes effect based on whether you are a new hire, experiencing a qualifying life event, or participating in Open Enrollment.
New Hire vs. Qualifying Life Event vs. Open Enrollment
| Enrollment Type | When It Applies | What You Can Do | Deadline | When Coverage Starts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Hire Enrollment | When you are first hired and become eligible for benefits | Enroll in health, dental, and vision benefits for yourself and eligible dependents | During your first 60 days of employment | First day of the month following 60 days of employment |
| Qualifying Life Event | After a significant life change (e.g., marriage, birth, loss of coverage) | Add, drop, or change benefits related to the life event only | Within 31 days of the event | Typically the date of the life event or as required by the plan |
| Open Enrollment | Annual enrollment period announced by LWG | Review, add, change, or waive benefits for the upcoming year | During the published Open Enrollment window | January 1 of the new plan year |
Important Reminders
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If you miss your New Hire enrollment window, you must wait until Open Enrollment unless you experience a qualifying life event.
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Life event changes require documentation and must be submitted on time.
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Open Enrollment elections apply for the entire plan year unless another qualifying life event occurs.
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All benefit enrollments and benefit changes must be completed in Dayforce. Elections made outside of Dayforce or communicated verbally or by email cannot be processed.
