Dependent Care FSA (DepCare)

Experience the savings of a dependent care FSA

Reduce your eligible childcare and other dependent care expenses by participating in a dependent care FSA. You can set aside a portion of your paycheck before taxes for eligible dependent care expenses each year.

Eligibility

You are eligible if you and/or your spouse (if applicable) are gainfully employed, looking for work, or are attending school on a full-time basis.

What does it cover?

The list includes, but is not limited to, eligible:

  • Childcare center, babysitter, nanny (birth through age 12)
  • Summer day camp (birth through age 12)
  • Before- or after-school care (birth through age 12)
  • Disabled dependent and/or spouse care

Check out our eligible expense list for a complete list of FSA expenses.

Recurring expenses

For recurring costs, submit our Recurring Dependent Care Form. It makes claim filing simple because you only need to submit one form once in order to get reimbursed each pay period. This form is to be completed each plan year and as changes occur when you want to receive recurring reimbursement of dependent care expenses.

Grace period

Your dependent care FSA includes a grace period, which gives you extra time beyond the end of your plan year to incur claims and be reimbursed with FSA funds. Your 2022 plan year ends December 31, 2022. With your FSA’s grace period, you will have until March 15, 2023, to incur claims for the 2022 plan year. After that, your FSA funds will be forfeited to the plan due to the IRS’ use-or-lose rule that governs FSAs. You need to have an active enrollment by December 31, 2022, to be eligible for grace period extension.

Run-out period

A run-out period extends the final filing date past the last date of the plan year to give you additional time to file for reimbursement of FSA claims. The 2022 plan year expires on December 31, 2022, which is the last day you can incur claims for a plan year. However, you have until the end of your run-out period, which is April 15, 2023, to submit claims for the 2022 plan year.

Claim filing

You can file a claim easily with: 

The Benefits Mobile App

You can file claims and submit documentation in seconds using the Benefits Mobile App. Our app is the quickest and easiest method for filing claims and submitting documentation. Just use your phone’s camera to take a picture of documentation and upload it on the spot. The app also allows you to: 

  • Get instant notifications on the status of your claims. 
  • Check your balance and view account activity. 
  • Report a card as lost or stolen to keep your account secure. 

Online account 

You can also file claims through your online account by clicking the “File A Claim” button within the “I Want To” menu on the homepage of your online account. 
Note: You may also file a claim by submitting a Claim Form and supporting documentation via fax or mail.



Learn about Healthcare FSAs.