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Benefits

Eligibility for CSU Benefit Programs

Fresno State is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits program to support the health, wellness, and financial security of our employees and their families. Eligibility depends on your appointment type, timebase, and other factors such as family status. Understanding who qualifies—and when—is the first step to making informed benefit choices that meet your needs.

Who is Eligible?

If you’re a Fresno State employee working at least half-time in a position that lasts more than six months and one day, you’re eligible for a full range of CSU benefits—including medical, dental, vision, and more.

There’s no waiting period for pre-existing conditions, and no extra steps to qualify—just enroll within your first 60 days to get started.

Faculty Benefit Eligibility

Faculty appointments can vary, so here’s what you need to know:

  • Academic Year Faculty
    If you're appointed at .50 timebase (half-time) or more, you’re eligible for benefits. To keep your coverage for the spring semester, your timebase for spring must remain at .50 or higher. If your timebase drops below that, your benefits will end.
  • Part-Time Faculty
    If you’re teaching at least .40 timebase (6/15 weighted teaching units) for one semester or the academic year, you’re eligible to enroll in benefits. To keep your coverage, you’ll need to maintain that same timebase each month. A drop below .40 WTU may result in cancellation.
More Info on Part-Time Faculty Eligibility

Who You Can Enroll as a Dependent

Fresno State’s benefit plans extend to your spouse, registered domestic partner, and children under age 26—including those in your care who aren’t your biological children.

Eligible dependents include:

  • Spouse – Must provide a marriage certificate

  • Registered domestic partner – Must be registered with the California Secretary of State and provide documentation
    💡 Coverage for domestic partners may result in taxable income. For details, see the 2025 Domestic Partnership Taxable Income for Benefits.

  • Biological, adopted, and stepchildren under age 26 – No residency or financial support requirement

  • Other children under age 26 – Such as a grandchild, niece/nephew, or legal ward, if a parent-child relationship exists. Requires an Affidavit of Parent-Child Relationship (HBD-40) and supporting documentation. Recertification is required each year

When enrolling dependents, you’ll need to provide:

  • A Social Security number

  • Proof of relationship, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or adoption documentation

📄 Need help understanding what documents are required? Check out the Dependent Eligibility Verification (DEV) FAQs.

🔒 Learn more about why Social Security numbers are required in the Dependent SSN Collection Overview.

Coverage After Age 26

Most dependents lose eligibility at the end of the month in which they turn 26. However, coverage may continue in certain cases:

  • Disabled Dependents Over Age 26
    If your child is unable to support themselves due to a physical or mental condition that began before age 26, they may continue coverage with CalPERS approval.
To initiate this process:
    1. Complete the CalPERS Disabled Dependent Member Questionnaire and Medical Report (HBD-34)
      This form gathers essential information about the dependent's condition and circumstances.
    2. Submit the form to CalPERS
      The completed form should be submitted directly to CalPERS for review.
Begin the certification process 60–90 days before the dependent's 26th birthday to ensure continuous coverage.

Questions? Last Name A-L

Debra Penner
Benefits Analyst
dpenner@mail.fresnostate.edu
559.278.4657

Questions? Last Name M-Z

Rosie Ricca
Benefits Analyst
magdalen@mail.fresnostate.edu
559.278.7178