The "Birthday Rule" places primary responsibility for children based on whom, you or your spouse, was born earliest in the year. For instance, if you were born in February, and your spouse was born in April, plan expenses for you and your eligible dependent children would be submitted to your plan first. Your spouse is always responsible for submitting claims to their own plan first, and you are responsible for submitting claims to your plan first. The "Birthday Rule" applies only to children.