Employee Dependent Care FSA Handout
Employee educational handout and account access guide for the Dependent Care FSA.
Am I required to use a daycare facility for my Dependent Care FSA?
No. You can be reimbursed for expenses provided by an individual providing care for your dependent in your home as long as the expenses are incurred for you and your spouse (if married), to work, look for work or attend school full-time.
Are my spouse’s and dependent’s expenses eligible for reimbursement from the FSA?
Yes, you may be reimbursed for expenses incurred for you, your spouse and any IRS dependents, regardless of where you are insured. For example, you might have coverage through your spouse’s employer’s plan (rather than your employer’s) and you may still submit your family out-of-pocket expenses to be reimbursed under the Health FSA.
Can an adult be an eligible dependent for the Dependent Care FSA?
Yes, an adult may qualify as a dependent provided that the employee is providing more than half of that individuals support for the year, and the dependent lives with the employee and is physically and/or mentally incapable of caring for him/herself.
Can I change my Flexible Spending Account election once the plan year starts?
Once you make an election, you may not change your election unless you experience an IRS “Change in Status” or “qualified life event.” If you do experience a qualified life event or change in status (such as marriage, adoption, divorce, etc.) your election change must be consistent with the Change in Status event. For example, if you adopt a child then you may increase your Dependent Care FSA election due to the newly eligible dependent.