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How do I Apply?

Application Procedure
When Should I Submit the Reimbursement Form?
Is a PTS Taxable Income?

Application Procedure

You must apply annually for a PTS.

For every year:

  • Print, complete and sign the Tuition Benefit Eligibility Form from the CU  Benefits Enrollment System.
  • Print, complete and sign a Primary Tuition Scholarship (PTS) Application Form (PDF/Word) for the child
  • Submit the PTS application together with (a) a copy of the itemized annual tuition bill from the school; (b) information about any other awards or scholarships your child may be receiving; (c) a copy of your most recent year’s federal, state and city tax return; and (d) if you do not claim the child as your dependent, a copy of the most recent year’s federal, state and city tax return of the person who does.
  • Send the application and documentation to: 

    EBPA, Reimbursement Account
    P.O. Box 1140
    Exeter, NH 03833-1140
    Phone: 1-888-456-4576

    Business Hours: M-F 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. EST


    EBPA will send the scholarship check directly to the school within three weeks of receiving your application.  They will also send you a written confirmation of payment.

For first-time applicants:

With your initial application you must include proof of your relationship with your child, as described below:

  • for your dependent child—birth certificate, adoption papers or legal guardianship papers
  • for the dependent child of your spouse—birth certificate , adoption papers or legal guardianship papers and marriage certificate
  • for the dependent child of your same-sex domestic partner—birth certificate , adoption papers or legal guardianship papers and evidence of partnership (i.e. two pieces of documentation that show shared financial responsibilities. Acceptable documentation includes a joint lease or mortgage, joint bank account statement, joint ownership of a motor vehicle, designation of the partner as primary beneficiary in the officer’s will, designation of the partner as beneficiary for the officer’s life insurance or retirement benefits, assignment of power of attorney to the partner, or registration in New York City’s Domestic Partnership Registration Program. In addition, the domestic partner must be an adult of the same gender, and not related to the employee by blood.  The officer and domestic partner must have lived together in a committed personal relationship for at least six consecutive months before enrolling for coverage and must anticipate continuing to live together in a personal relationship in which they have joint and reciprocal financial responsibilities) 

Note:  The process for the first year for each child must be followed, even if you have received a PTS for other children in the past.

 

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When Should I Submit the Reimbursement Form?

You should submit the application to EBPA as early as possible, preferably before the beginning of a school year.  Note: EBPA cannot process applications for the Fall before July 1 each year. 

You can submit an application after a school year begins, but no later than June 30 for the current school year.

 

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Is a PTS Taxable Income?

No —at least most of the time. Under current IRS regulations, a PTS is only taxable income if it benefits the dependent of a same-sex domestic partner.

 

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The HR/Benefits website is intended only to provide information for the guidance of Columbia University Officers, staff and union employees. The writers of the content have exercised their best efforts to ensure accuracy of the information, but accuracy is not guaranteed. If there are any discrepancies between the information on the website, verbal representations and the Plan documents, the Plan documents will always govern. The information is subject to change from time to time, and the University reserves the right to change or terminate these Plans at any time. The information contained on the website is not intended to replace the plan documents, nor is the information in any way intended to imply a contract.