On June 26, 2013, the Supreme Court ruled that Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional. As a result, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is now able to extend benefits to legally married same-sex spouses and related child(ren) of District government employees covered under the Federal Benefits Program, including some members of the District of Columbia Retirement Board's (DCRB) Plans. The Federal Benefits Program is applicable to:

1. Individuals first employed by the District government before October 1. 1987 in positions subject to federal benefits, who are still employed without having had a break in service of one (1) workday or more since that date; and
2. Individuals first employed by the District government before October 1, 1987 in positions subject to federal benefits, who subsequently terminated such employment and were reemployed with the District government on or after October 1, 1987.

The open enrollment period for health and life insurance was held June 26, 2013 to August 26, 2013. For more information, please view and/or download the bulletin attached below. It was released by the District of Columbia Department of Human Resources to provide information to agencies and employees on the special enrollment period for District government employees covered under the Federal Benefits Programs.

DCRB will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available over the next several months.