If you’re a Microsoft employee with dependents enrolled in your medical, dental, or vision plan, there’s an important action item that must be completed by March 6th, 2026.
Microsoft is conducting a Dependent Verification Audit. If you currently have a dependent on your health plan, you are required to submit documentation to confirm your dependents’ eligibility. Missing this step could result in your dependent(s) losing coverage later this year.
Here’s what you need to know:
What’s Happening?
Microsoft is reviewing dependent eligibility to ensure its health plans remain compliant and accurate. If you received an email titled:
“Action Required: Verify Your Dependents’ Eligibility for Continued Benefits Coverage”
…it means one or more of your dependents must be verified to keep their health benefits active.
The Deadline
March 6, 2026
You must upload the required documentation no later than March 6, 2026.
If Microsoft does not receive acceptable documentation by that date:
- Coverage for non-verified dependents will end effective May 1, 2026
- Your dependent(s) will not be eligible to continue coverage through COBRA
In short: missing the deadline can mean a permanent loss of coverage for 2026.
What Documentation Is Required?
The exact documents depend on the dependent type. Examples may include:
- Marriage certificate
- Proof of cohabitation
- Tax documents (such as a 1040)
- Birth certificates
Important: Some situations require multiple documents.
Microsoft provides a full breakdown by dependent type at:
aka.ms/benefits/DepAudit
How to Submit Your Documents
Microsoft has made this a one-time process per dependent, and you can complete it in a few minutes.
Benefits Enrollment Tool (Desktop)
- Visit aka.ms/BenefitsEnroll
- Click on your Audit Task
- Upload documents directly
You can also complete your dependent verification through the MyChoice Benefits app (IOS or Android)
Important: If documents are unclear or incomplete, you may be asked to resubmit without extending the deadline.
Why We Recommend Uploading Early
Waiting until the last minute can create problems:
- Resubmissions don’t extend the deadline
- Missing information can delay verification
- It can take a bit of leg work to gather the necessary documents
Uploading early gives you time to fix issues and ensures uninterrupted coverage for your family.
How This Fits Into Your Bigger Financial Picture
Health benefits are just one piece of your overall financial plan – but losing dependent coverage unexpectedly can create significant out-of-pocket costs, disrupt care, and affect cash flow.
At Avier, we regularly help Microsoft employees:
- Understand benefit elections and deadlines
- Coordinate benefits with your overall financial plan
- Optimize your other (non-health related) company benefits
Bottom line:
If you’ve been notified, don’t wait. Upload your documents before March 6, 2026, and protect your family’s health coverage.