Life Events

Review your health and welfare benefits coverage to determine which plan is the right fit for your new family. You can add your spouse/domestic partner to your coverage or end your company coverage if you are moving to your spouse’s policy. Some key considerations as you decide:

• Cost vs. Coverage: Balance premium rates with the level of care.
• Network: Ensure your preferred health care providers are in-network.
• Your Unique Needs: Evaluate coverages for specialized treatments or medications you may need.

Don’t forget to harmonize your financial plans as you blend your lives. From boosting your HSA contributions to re-evaluating your 401(k) goals, here’s how to secure a prosperous future together.

• Maximize your accounts: If you are enrolled in the HSA Basic or HSA Plus medical plan and add your spouse, you can increase your HSA contribution up to the IRS family limits. See the Health Savings Account page in the Benefits eGuide for more information.
• Evaluate your savings strategy: Discuss your long-term strategy with your spouse. Are you setting enough aside in your 401(k) to reach your goals? Retirement may seem like a long time away, but remember, making small contributions each paycheck can yield a substantial savings balance over time.

Review your beneficiary designations on your Life and AD&D Insurance, 401(k), HSA (if you’re enrolled in the HSA Basic or HSA Plus medical plan), and other financial investments and policies to make sure your assets are allocated to the right person.

Office Depot supports growing families by offering eligible Coworkers up to 6 weeks of Paid Parental Bonding Leave (PPBL). PPBL provides time away from work to care for and bond with a child following birth, adoption, foster care placement, or legal guardianship.

You may also qualify for up to 12 weeks of unpaid Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). This leave runs concurrently with any type of paid leave.

Apply for PPBL, FMLA, and Short-Term Disability (STD) before your baby arrives by contacting Voya at 888-238-4840 to submit your leave request and complete the required steps. The process is simple: you apply for PPBL, FMLA, and STD, your eligibility is assessed by Voya, and you’re notified once a decision is made. You may also qualify for state-provided leave. Contact your state agency for eligibility and details.

‍Don't forget to inform your manager and Human Resources of your upcoming leave.

Check out our Navigating Life’s Moments — Pregnancy and New Baby or Adoption pages where you’ll find a step-by-step guide on how having a baby impacts your benefits.

As your family grows, be sure to review your coverage.

• Medical: Add your new bundle of joy to your medical plan.
• Life Insurance: To ensure your family is protected, you may need to increase your Life & AD&D coverage or add Child Life Insurance.
• Legal needs: Do you need a will or other legal documents to protect your family? The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can help with legal consultations.

Raising children can be expensive, but don’t worry — we can help you keep dollars in your pocket.

• Find child care: The EAP can help with finding licensed child care providers as well as backup care options.

Review your health and welfare benefits coverage. You can add your spouse/domestic partner to your coverage, or you can end your company coverage if you are moving to your spouse’s policy. Some key considerations as you decide:

• Cost vs. coverage: Balance premium rates with the level of care.
• Network: Ensure your preferred health care providers are in-network.
• Your unique needs: Evaluate coverages for specialized treatments or medications you may need.

View the Navigating Life’s Moments — Job Loss page where you’ll find a step-by-step guide on what you need to know if you or your spouse/domestic partner loses or changes their job.

If your spouse/domestic partner loses their job it can be a stressful, emotional experience. All employees and their household members can receive five free, confidential in-person or virtual counseling sessions per person, per event, per year from the Employee Assistance Program. Licensed counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you need additional care and are enrolled in a BCBSTX medical plan, additional counseling may be available to you, including low-cost virtual sessions with a Virtual Behavioral Specialist.

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides employees and their household members with free, confidential assistance, including:

• Legal services: EAP representatives can help you locate an attorney for a free consultation and discounted legal representation.
• Mental health: Licensed counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You and members of your household can receive up to five free in-person or virtual counseling sessions per issue, per year through the EAP. If you need additional care and are enrolled in a BCBSTX medical plan, additional counseling may be available, including low-cost sessions with a Virtual Behavioral Specialist.

Review your health and welfare benefits coverage to determine which plan is the right fit for you and your dependent(s), if applicable, given the change. You can enroll or change your coverage depending on your circumstances.

Review your beneficiary designations on your Life and AD&D Insurance, 401(k), HSA (if you’re enrolled in the HSA Basic or HSA Plus medical plan), and other financial investments and policies to make sure your assets are allocated to the right person.

Consider seeking legal counsel before designating a minor as a beneficiary due to limitations on payouts of Life and AD&D Insurance policies to minors.