June 29, 1982
(Opinion issued in letter form; name and address deleted)
Re: Opinion of Trustees
Resolution of Dispute
Case No. 81-48
This is in reference to your Request for Advisory Opinion concerning your sister’s eligibility for health and other non-pension benefit coverage, as your dependent, under the terms of the Employer’s Benefit Plan.
The evidence in file shows that you were given custody of your sister by your parents. However, you have not legally adopted her. The question of benefit coverage for brothers and sisters of participants was previously addressed by the Trustees. That decision, issued in Question and Answer form (H-23), provided that brothers and sisters of participants are not eligible as dependents for benefit coverage unless they have been legally adopted by the participant,
Therefore, although your sister may be dependent upon you for her support, she does not meet the eligibility requirements as a dependent for benefit coverage under the Employer’s Benefit Plan.
Sincerely,
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Harrison Combs, Chairman
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John J. O’Connell, Trustee
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Paul R. Dean, Trustee