The interim changes to the FAM and DSSR permit same-sex domestic partners of Foreign Service employees to qualify as family members for a variety of benefits and allowances.  These benefits and allowances include:
 
�  Diplomatic passports;
�  Inclusion on employee travel orders to and from overseas posts;
�  Shipment of household effects;
�  Inclusion in family size calculations for the purpose of making housing allocations;
�  Family member preference for overseas employment;
�  Use of medical facilities at posts overseas;
�  Medical evacuation from posts overseas;
�  Emergency travel for partners to visit gravely ill or injured employees and relatives;
�  Inclusion as family members for emergency evacuation from posts overseas;
�  Subsistence payments related to emergency evacuation from posts overseas;
�  Inclusion in calculations of payments of overseas allowances (for example, payment for quarters, cost of living,
   and other allowances);
�  Representation expenses, and
�  Training at the Foreign Service Institute.
 
Where appropriate, this extension of benefits and allowances will apply to the children of same-sex domestic partners, as well. 
 
Interim changes to the FAM and DSSR may be accessed from the Office of Human Resources' Web page at http://inside.usaid.gov/HR/benefits/index.cfm.  Employees should review these changes to understand the full range of benefits and allowances extended to same-sex domestic partners of Foreign Service employees serving overseas.
 
2. What is the process for obtaining benefits?
 
To obtain benefits for their same-sex domestic partners, employees must file an affidavit of eligibility for benefits and obligations (Attachment 3) and update their OF-126, Residence and Dependency Report. 
 
Consistent with criteria set forth in 3 FAM 1610, the affidavit must affirm, among other things, that the employee and his or her domestic partner:
 
�  are each other's sole domestic partner and intend to remain committed to one another indefinitely;
�  have a common residence and intend to continue the arrangement;
�  are at least 18 years of age and mentally competent to consent to contract;
�  share responsibility for a significant measure of each other's common welfare and financial obligations;
�  are not married to, joined in civil union with, or domestic partners with anyone else; and
�  are same-sex domestic partners and not related in a way that would prohibit legal marriage in the State in which
   they reside.
 
3. What are the next steps?
 
Foreign Service employees who seek benefits for their same-sex domestic partners should work with their servicing Human Resources Specialist in OHR/FSP.  To obtain benefits, employees must provide OHR/FSP staff with the following:
 
�  An affidavit of eligibility for benefits and obligations (Attachment 3); and
 
�  An amended Residency and Dependency Report (Form OF-126) to add "domestic partner" in the box requesting "relationship."  The OF-126 may be accessed from the Agency's Forms Web page. Employees may file these forms immediately.
 
Domestic partners must also comply with the same security requirements and undergo the same background check as spouses.  Domestic partners must also have a valid medical clearance for the post of assignment.  Those already at post should follow the procedures for a newly acquired dependent.  They will be given access to the overseas health unit for up to 90 days pending completion of their medical clearance.  It is important to note that domestic partners must have health insurance, as the Agency acts only as a secondary payer in the event of overseas hospitalization.
 
4. Where can I find additional information?
 
The Office of Human Resources has developed a Web page with various references and documents.  This information is located at http://inside.usaid.gov/HR/benefits/index.cfm.  Additional instructions and guidance will be provided in the near future regarding specific benefits.
                                       
Alonzo L. Fulgham
Acting Administrator