Life Insurance
Benefits-eligible employees receive basic life insurance at no cost and can opt-in to additional group universal life insurance for a low rate per pay period.
Basic Life Insurance
Eligibility
Benefits-eligible* faculty and staff members are automatically enrolled in basic life insurance.
*If you are uncertain of your eligibility status for this benefit, please contact your HR representative.
Endowed employees
Eligible employees will receive a Basic Life Insurance benefit of one-half of their annual salary up to a maximum of $50,000. This plan is insured by New York Life Group Benefit Solutions (NYL GBS).
Contract College employees
Eligible employees' basic life insurance benefits are determined by the retirement plan in which they are enrolled.
- Members of the Employees' Retirement System (ERS) with New York State and Local Retirement System (NYSLRS) program receive basic life insurance under the program’s death benefit, administered by New York State Survivor's Benefit Program: 1-866-805-0990.
- Members of the SUNY Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) are provided with New York State and Local Retirement System (NYSLRS) basic life insurance, insured by New York Life Group Benefit Solutions.
Group Universal Life (GUL) Insurance
You’ve probably heard of life insurance, but you may be wondering, “what’s group universal life insurance?” Cornell University offers life insurance at a group rate to supplement your basic life insurance. And as long as you’re employed at Cornell, the premiums are conveniently deducted from your paycheck using after‑tax dollars.
Benefits-eligible* faculty and staff members can enroll in additional GUL insurance with New York Life Group Benefit Solutions. You can enroll in group universal life insurance at any time or within 60 days of hire or a qualified life event. If you miss the 60-day period or elect an amount over the guaranteed issuance, you will be required to provide proof of good health. You can sign up for life insurance for yourself, your spouse or domestic partner, and eligible children. Dependent life insurance for your children ends at age 19. Unmarried children can be covered through age 24 if they are a full-time college student.
New York Life Group Benefit Solutions Guide
*If you are uncertain of your eligibility status for this benefit, please contact your HR representative.
Claims & Contacts
- If you have experienced a loss, please reach out to HR Services at hrservices@cornell.edu or 607-255-3936.
- For coverage or questions, please contact NYL GBS Customer Service Center at 800-231-1193, email NYLGBSVolBenefits@infymccservices.com or visit https://cornell.nylgbsbenefitsguide.com
While every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of this Summary, in the event of any discrepancy the Summary Plan Description and Plan Document will prevail.