There are only certain times when you can enroll in benefits or make changes – when you’re first hired, during open enrollment, or after a qualifying life event.

So what exactly is a qualifying life event? Certain changes in your personal life qualify as an official change in status according to the IRS, which means that you can modify your benefit selections between open enrollment periods. Examples include changes in family status such as getting married, having a baby, or a change in child custody. In addition, a common qualifying life event is a change in employment status, such as a termination of employment or a change in employment status. Typically, you have 30 days from the date of the event to make changes to your benefits.