The Verification Process
Here’s what you will need to do:
- As soon as you enroll, start collecting the required documents to verify your dependents’ eligibility (see list below). You may have to request official documents, if you do not have originals.
- Watch for a verification packet in the mail from Secova within 45 days after you enroll.
- Submit the required documents to Secova for each covered dependent, following the instructions in the verification packet.
- Be sure to submit the documents by the deadline stated in the verification packet.
Note: If you do not, your dependent’s coverage will be terminated at the end of the month in which you receive their termination letter, or at the end of the month in which your verification window closes, whichever occurs first.
Required Documents
Spouse
Marriage Certificate AND ONE of the following documents to show marriage is current:
- A document dated within the past 6 months, such as a mortgage statement, home equity loan, lease agreement, automobile registration, automobile loan monthly statement, credit card or account statement, utility bill or property tax document
- Page 1 and signature page of Trust member’s 2022 or 2023 Federal Income Tax Return or Email Confirmation of Certificate of Filing listing the spouse
- Page 1 and signature page of Trust member’s 2022 or 2023 State Tax Return or Email Confirmation of Certificate of Filing listing the spouse
- Spouse’s current Driver License or Government-issued ID Card
Note: if the document lists SPOUSE’S NAME ONLY it must reflect an address that is the same as the Trust member’s address.
Domestic Partner
Domestic Partnership Affidavit or Certificate of Registered Domestic Partnership, and ONE of the following documents to show domestic partnership is current and domestic partner resides with Trust member:
- A document dated within the past 6 months such as a mortgage statement, home equity loan, lease agreement, automobile registration, automobile loan monthly statement, credit card or account statement, utility bill or property tax document
- Page 1 and signature page of domestic partner’s 2022 or 2023 Federal Income Tax Return or Email Confirmation of Certificate of Filing
- Page 1 and signature page of domestic partner’s 2022 or 2023 State Tax Return or Email Confirmation of Certificate of Filing
- Domestic partner’s current Driver License or Government-issued ID Card
Note: if the document lists DOMESTIC PARTNER’S NAME ONLY it must reflect an address that is the same as the Trust member’s address.
Child up to Age 26
Birth Certificate (issued by a vital records office) listing Trust member as parent. For the child of a domestic partner, Birth Certificate listing domestic partner as parent.
Adopted Child up to Age 26
Adoption petition signed by a judge OR Birth Certificate (issued by a vital records office) listing Trust Member as parent. For the adopted child of a domestic partner, the Adoption Petition signed by a judge OR Birth Certificate listing the domestic partner as parent.
Stepchild up to Age 26
Marriage Certificate (indicating stepchild’s biological parent is married to Trust member), AND Birth Certificate of stepchild (issued by a vital records office) listing spouse as parent.
Child up to Age 26 Under Legal Guardianship or QMCSO
Birth Certificate AND Court Order signed by a judge verifying legal custody of the child; OR Medical Support Order issued by a state agency.
Disabled Child
Birth Certificate (issued by a vital records office) listing Trust Member or spouse as parent. For the child of a domestic partner, Birth Certificate listing domestic partner or spouse as parent.
Tips to Avoid Processing Delays
- Sign, date, and return the Verification Form (or submit it online), along with the required documentation for each enrolled dependent.
- Submit a legible black and white COPY of the document. Do not submit original documents; they will not be returned.
- Write your name, PPS Employee ID #, and “SD Trust” at the top of each document you submit.
- Provide your email address and telephone number on the Verification Form for faster response.
Submitting Documents FAQs
Q: How do I obtain official documents that I don’t have?
A: Find out how to replace vital documents, such as birth certificates, Social Security cards, and more here: https://www.usa.gov/replace-vital-documents#item-36582
NOTE: If your legal documents are in a foreign language, please include a notarized translation in English.
Q: Can I use electronically submitted tax returns?
A: Yes. However, in addition to the first page of your electronically filed tax return, provide a copy of the certificate of electronic filing or email confirmation of electronic submission.
Q: Can I hide my financial information on my tax return?
A: Yes, use a black marker to hide financial and Social Security Numbers on tax return copies before submitting it to Secova. Please note that it is a felony to falsify the information on IRS tax forms.
Q: How do I submit documents?
A: There are three methods you may use to submit documents:
- Secure Online Uploads at: https://verify.secova.com/SD1Trust:
- Follow the instructions on the screen to enter your PPS Employee ID# (listed in upper right hand corner of the enclosed Letter/Verification Form), and password.
- The first time you log into the system your password will be your date of birth (MMDDYYYY) and the last 4 digits of your PPS Employee ID # (no dashes or spaces).
- You will be prompted to change your password once you have confirmed your email address.
- Secure Fax: 1-866-465-1961 (toll-free):
- Make sure documents are placed in the proper position on the fax machine, either face up or face down (depending on the fax machine) to prevent sending blank documents. Blank documents cannot be processed and will result in the dependent(s) being placed in a “no response” status.
- You are responsible for making sure that your fax is properly transmitted to Secova’s secure fax line. Please remember to keep a copy of your fax confirmation page for future reference.
- Mail: SD1 Trust, C/O Secova Service Center, P.O. Box 6000, Newport Beach, CA 92658:
- You may need to use more than one envelope if you are submitting multiple documents.
- To avoid processing delays, do not use color paper, color ink, staple, tape or clip your documents.
- Allow 10 business days for processing, once Secova receives your Verification Form and documentation.
Q: How do I prepare the documents?
A: Copy each document on its own separate page, one sided, with the back side blank. If you are submitting multiple documents, do not combine them onto one page. For example, if you are submitting a marriage certificate for your spouse and a birth certificate for your child, the marriage certificate should be copied onto one page and the birth certificate onto a second page.
Q: Can I submit documents for another Trust member’s dependents?
A: No, each member should submit his or her own documentation.
Q: Who can I call if I have questions?
A: Please call Secova at 1-866-326-5160 M-F 6AM-9PM for assistance if you:
- Lose your verification packet or need help with the online verification system
- Have a question about required documentation or the verification process
- For alternative ways of establishing dependent eligibility, if you cannot provide the required documents
Q: Do you have more questions?
A: Please see our Dependent Verification FAQs page!