LOS ANGELES : Council Expands Benefits for Unmarried Couples
The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday voted to move ahead with increased benefits for unmarried domestic partners.
At the urging of Councilwoman Jackie Goldberg, the council in February approved health and dental benefits for heterosexual and homosexual partners. On Tuesday, the council voted to extend the benefits to include disability insurance, the employee assistance program and catastrophic illness leave.
In addition, the council directed the city attorney to prepare a charter amendment that would enable the city to offer pension benefits to domestic partners, which the city defines as couples over age 18 who have lived with each other for more than a year.
So far, seven employees have applied for the benefits. Officials estimate that less than 2% of the city’s employees will apply, which could cost the city about $1 million. The city now pays about $22 million in spousal benefits.
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