No matter how much new parents anticipate and prepare for the arrival of a new child, kids come with lots of surprises and even more questions. IU is committed to helping you and your family get off to a happy, healthy start with benefits that include time off, on-campus lactation rooms, child care resources and well-baby care.

Time away from work

• Review leave policies for staff employees or academic appointees.
• Learn about paid parental leave for full-time staff employees.

Benefit considerations

• Enroll your child in benefits, including medical coverage, within 30 days of birth or adoption by submitting a life event change in the Employee Center or by contacting AskHR for help with enrollment.
  • Remember that IU offers a Dependent Care FSA, which allows you to pay for dependent care expenses with tax-exempt dollars.
• IU medical plans cover well-baby care, including doctor visits and immunizations, at no cost. Call the number on the back of your medical plan ID card for details.
• Review and update the beneficiaries on any benefit plans you are enrolled in, such as retirement plans, health savings accounts, life insurance or accident policies.

Support resources

• Feeling overwhelmed? Contact SupportLinc EAP 24/7 at 888-881-LINC (5462) for free, confidential counseling and referrals. You can also create an account at SupportLinc.com for access to their full library of digital care tools and resources. Use group code “iu” to register (all lowercase, no quotes).
• Register for a free Care.com membership by visiting iu.care.com to find, book and pay for care providers, schedule backup care or find discounts on care.
• Check out Healthy IU Work+Life for a list of resources for parents, including lactation support and things to consider as you plan your return to work.

Upcoming virtual events

Register for these and other upcoming events by vising the IU Human Resources events calendar.

• Noon Sept. 1, Focus On: IU Life, Accident & Disability Plans: Learn about IU’s life, accident and disability insurance plan offerings, including coverage for your family members.
• Noon Sept. 13, Gender Equality in Caregiving: Making It the Norm: Learn why gender equality in care work is better for everyone.
• 11 a.m. Sept. 14, Supporting Our Kids’ Mental Health: Learn how to support your child’s mental health and connect in a supportive and appropriate way.
• Noon Sept. 20, Focus On: Indiana College Choice 529 Plan & IU Tuition Benefit: Learn how you can start saving for your child’s education now.

For questions about IU benefits for employees, student academic appointees or residents, contact IU Human Resources at askhr@iu.edu.