Criteria to Qualify as a Domestic Partner

From Susan Nathan, former About.com Guide

There is no federal law qualifying who a domestic partner includes, though some state and local laws do. If your company intends to cover domestic partners, you should outline what a domestic partner is in your employee handbook. Some common elements of domestic partnership can include:

Unmarried individuals in partnership

Minimum age of 18 for both parties

Both are mentally competent and able to enter into a contract in residing state

Neither are family members of each other through blood relation

Both must share a committed, exclusive relationship with each other

Both must be financially independent

Non-employee must not qualify for benefits through his/her own employer

Jointly responsible for financial decisions

Reside in the same residence for a minimum amount of time

Meet the requirements for specific plans

Both must sign employee affidavit to confirm spousal equivalent

Employee Benefits