Keeping your
dependant’s
coverage active

Helping you navigate important changes for your family’s benefits

If you have a child listed as a dependant under your Group Benefits plan, important age milestones could impact their coverage—here's what you need to know. 

When your dependant turns 21 (or the age specified in your Benefits Booklet), you’ll need to confirm their student status or disability for the first time to keep their coverage active. When they reach the maximum age limit under your plan (typically age 25, or the age specified in your Benefits Booklet), their coverage will end. This page answers the big questions – What, Why, When, and How – related to dependant status, so you can feel more confident about the status of your family’s benefits.

Answers to Common Questions

1. What is a dependant?

A dependant is typically your child or another family member who relies on you for financial support and may be eligible for coverage under your group benefits plan. Eligibility depends on factors like age, student status, disability, province of residence, and your specific plan. 

2. Why do I need to update coverage for my dependant now?

When your dependant reaches their 21st birthday (or the age specified in your Benefits Booklet), they will no longer qualify for coverage under your group benefits plan. However, if they are a full-time student at a post-secondary educational institution or living with a disability, you may be able to extend their coverage by completing and submitting a status form.

3. What happens if I miss the deadline (typically, dependant’s 21st birthday)?

  • Coverage may end automatically
  • Claims submitted after the termination date may be denied
  • You may continue paying for coverage that no longer applies

We recommend acting at least 60 days before your dependant’s 21st birthday (or the age specified in your Benefits Booklet) to avoid any unwanted disruption. Remember, coverage end dates can vary by plan. Please refer to your policy for details.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your Human Resources or Benefits Team.

Select a scenario that applies to you to learn how to update your dependant’s status. If your dependant is

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A full-time student Living with a disability Turning 25/26

If your dependant is a full-time student in a recognized post-secondary educational institution, you can update their student status to keep their coverage active. Here is how:

Option 1: Update online

  1. Sign in to your Manulife Group Benefits account.
  2. Go to My Account > My Personal Information > My Family.
  3. Select Extend coverage for your dependant and follow the instructions

Option 2: Submit a form

  1. Sign in to the Plan Member site
  2. Go directly to the Administration Forms page
  3. Download the Request for Overage Student Child Coverage form
  4. Select Request for Over-Age Student Dependant Coverage at the top of the form
  5. Complete and save the form
  6. Contact your Human Resources or Benefits Team to submit the update for you 

Frequently asked questions

Your dependant must be:

  • Between the ages of 21 and 25 (or 26 in Quebec)
  • Enrolled full-time in a recognized post-secondary educational institution
  • Single and not employed full-time

Your Human Resource or benefits Team may request proof of enrolment, such as a letter from the institution or registration confirmation.

Once your dependant reaches age 21 (or the age specified in your Benefits Booklet), you’ll need to provide proof of student status each year to maintain coverage.

Here’s how it works:

  • First update: When your dependant reaches the age where student status is required (typically age 21, or the age specified in your Benefits Booklet), you’ll need to confirm their enrolment before their birthday to keep their coverage active.
  • Annual updates: After that, you’ll need to update their student status each year before the school year begins – usually by September 1st – until they reach the age when coverage ends (typically age 25, or 26 in Quebec), or they are no longer a full time student.

Remember, coverage rules and requirements can vary by province and by employer. For the most accurate information, always refer to your policy or speak directly with your Human Resources or Benefits Team.

If your dependant is living with a disability, your group benefits plan may allow coverage to continue beyond the usual age limits. To confirm eligibility and keep your child’s coverage active, please follow these steps:

  1. Sign in to your Manulife Group Benefits account
  2. Go directly to the Administration Forms page
  3. Download the Request for Overage Disabled Child Coverage form
  4. Follow the instructions to complete and submit the form

If your dependant is not returning to school after turning 21 (or the age specified in your Benefits Booklet), or is not living with a disability, or is reaching the maximum age limit set by your employer, their coverage under your group benefits plan will end. 

What does “maximum age” mean?

Depending on your plan, the maximum age for dependant coverage is typically the dependant’s 25th birthday (or 26th in Quebec). The maximum age limit will vary depending on your group benefits plan. For example, the limit may be the end of the month in which the dependent turns 25, or the age specified in your Benefits Booklet. Once your dependant reaches the age limit, their coverage under your group benefits plan will end. 

If your dependant is no longer eligible for coverage, a few actions may apply to you:

  • Submit any eligible claims online through the plan member site or Manulife Mobile app before dependant’s coverage ends so they can be processed.
  • If they are the youngest child, you may want to update your plan level to avoid extra costs and make sure you are enrolled in coverage that fits your needs – such as single or spouse coverage. Here is how:
  1. Sign in to the plan member site and go to the Administration Forms page
  2. Download the Application for Change form
  3. Complete and save the form
  4. On Administration Forms page, under Send documents securely, click Send a document
  5. Upload the completed form, select Beneficiary and Other Plan Change Forms under File Category and click Send

For both options – whether you submit the digital form yourself or your HR or benefits team completes it - the change must be made no later than 31 days after your dependant’s coverage ends. 

If you want to explore other individual health and dental coverage options, visit mynextchapter.ca to learn more.

Helpful Resources

Eligibility for coverage may vary based on your dependant’s age and student status, your province of residence, and your specific group benefits plan. Please check your policy for details.