Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Save pre-tax money through payroll deduction throughout the year to pay for eligible dependent care expenses. Because your money is set aside on a pre-tax basis, you reduce your annual taxable income. Accounts are managed by BenefitWallet.

To qualify, the care must be essential for you and your spouse to work, look for work or attend school full time.

How it Works

Pre Tax

  1. Determine the amount you would like to contribute for the year. The maximum annual contribution is $5,000* per household or $2,500 for married individuals filing a separate tax return​.

  2. Pay for your dependent care expenses out-of-pocket, as you would normally. You may also want to review the Dependent Care FSA Overview

    • Unlike medical FSAs, the dependent care funds aren’t available up front. Money is only accessible as it is deposited with each paycheck.

  3. After services are rendered, obtain a receipt from your care provider.

  4. Submit a claim for reimbursement through the Healthequity.

  5. Complete the remaining steps to send payment to yourself from your Dependent Care FSA.

NOTE: Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account funds do not roll over from year to year. Reimbursements must be submitted within 90 days after the end of the calendar year. If you terminate employment, go on a leave of absence, cease to be eligible for the plan or end your participation in the plan during the year, claims must be submitted within 90 days after the earliest of (i) the date of your plan enrollment termination, (ii) the first day of your leave or (iii) the date you cease to be an eligible employee.

Qualified Dependents

  • Child(ren) under the age of 13.

  • A spouse who is physically or mentally unable to care for him/herself.

  • Any adult you can claim as a dependent on your tax return who is physically or mentally unable to care for him/herself.

Eligible Expenses

  • Babysitter inside or outside household

  • Before- or after-school or extended day programs

  • Custodial childcare or eldercare expenses

  • Day camps

  • Daycare centers

  • Household employee whose services include care of a qualifying person

  • Late pick-up fees

  • Looking for work expenses

  • Nanny expenses

  • Preschool/nursery school for pre-kindergarten

  • Sick-child care center

  • Summer day camps

Example of Ineligible Expenses

  • Educational/tuition expenses

  • Expenses paid to child of participant

  • Field trip expenses

  • Food, clothing, education, or entertainment expenses

  • Household services

  • Incidental expenses

  • Overnight camp

  • Payments for care where you are not the custodial parent

  • Payments for care while on leave of absence, maternity, or other medical leave

  • Payments for care while you are on vacation or due to illness

  • Payment for services not yet provided

Learn more by watching:

How Does DCFSA Work?

See the complete list of expenses in IRS Publication 503 - Child and Dependent Care Expenses.

* The IRS requires companies to test participation in this plan. Depending on the results, certain higher paid employees may not be able to contribute the full amount elected for a calendar year. You will be notified directly if you are affected.

Saving & Spending Accounts