Life Changes
When to change your benefits
When you experience a qualifying life event (QLE), you have the opportunity to add or change coverage for yourself or additional family members. The following QLEs will allow you to add and/or drop you, your spouse, and/or child(ren) to coverage within the first 31 days of the event.
- Marriage
- Divorce
- Birth
- Adoption
- Spouse/dependent loss
- Gain or loss of legal custody of a dependent
- Your spouse gets a job or changes job
Timing is everything
If changes are not made within 31 days of the events, you will need to wait until the next Summer Enrollment Changes are effective the first of the month following your qualifying life event date with the exception of the birth of a child, adopting a child and gaining medical support order (MSO) in which coverage takes effect as of the QLE date.
Login to ERS to make changes
Other Life Changes
If you’ve moved or need to update your mailing address, update your Banner profile via MySam and your ERS and TRS accounts. Also notify supplemental retirement vendors.
Update Your University Profile
Login to MySam to access your Banner profile.
Update Your ERS Account
Login to your ERS account to update your benefits address. Your ERS address is important to receive your summer enrollment options, explanation of benefits, notices, and insurance cards.
Update Your TRS Account
Login to your TRS account to update your address. Your TRS address is important to receive notices.
Update Your Vendor Profile(s)
If you have an optional or supplemental retirement plan, contact each ORP or SRP vendor to update your address.
You will need a copy of your social security card and your Sam ID number to request a name change. All name change requests will match the social security card submitted to HR at the time of the request.
Employees requesting a name change may submit the required information via email to employment@shsu.edu. Only emails sent from a SHSU email address belonging to the requesting individual will be accepted to ensure the security of sensitive information. You should password protect the image of document that contains your social security card before sending your email. You will need to call our office at 936.294.2637 to provide the password to open the file.
To password protect, open your image or scan in Adobe Acrobat and follow the Adobe instructions.
In-Person
To present the required documents in person, please call our office in advance to let us know when you plan to arrive.
Update Your BearkatOne Card
Employees can request an updated card, at no charge, via email or in person. You will need an updated government issued ID and documentation detailing the reason of change. Documentation could be a marriage license, divorce decree, or court order.
Update Third-Party Profiles
You may need to update any third-party software by accessing your profile or submitting a Katalyst ticket with a list of all the software that needs to be updated. For example, you can update your Zoom profile at zoom.us, while Qualtrics requires you to submit a Katalyst ticket.
Some life changes or events may prompt a change to your tax withholding. These changes include:
- Marriage
- Divorce
- Birth
- Adoption
- Spouse/dependent loss
- Gain or loss of legal custody of a dependent
- Your spouse gets a job or changes jobs
- You owed money when filing your tax return
Login to MySam to access your Banner profile.
It’s important to select the individuals who will receive your retirement account and life insurance benefits in the event of your death. This person is called your beneficiary. You can have more than one beneficiary. You change your beneficiaries at any time.
Login to your ERS Online account.
Making Changes Easier
You can receive financial, legal, family, and counseling services through the University of Texas Employee Assistance Program. This program includes up to 5 free counseling sessions, unlimited referrals, and referral discounts.
Contact Us
Physical Address
1831 University Ave, Huntsville, TX 77341 Suite 202
Mail: Box 2356