Dependent care FSA

A Dependent Care FSA lets you set aside up to $5,000 each year in pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible day care expenses.

Eligible dependents include child(ren) under the age of 13, a disabled spouse, elderly parent(s) or another dependent that is physically or mentally incapable of self-care.

If you want to contribute to the Dependent Care FSA, you must make an election during Annual Enrollment each year.

The maximum annual amount you are allowed to contribute is $5,000 for individuals or married couples filing jointly or $2,500 for a married person filing separately.

You may only be reimbursed for expenses that fall within your current account balance.

Any unused funds remaining in your Dependent Care FSA at the end of the plan year will not carry over into the following year.

Caring while you work

A dependent care flexible spending account (FSA) allows you to set aside money on a pre-tax basis to pay for child or adult day care expenses so that you and, if married, your spouse can work. These expenses include day care, before-and-after school programs, nursery school or preschool, summer day camp and even adult day care.

Employees with a health savings account (HSA) are eligible to contribute to a dependent care FSA.

$100 - $5,000 Annual Limit

Annual limits are established by the IRS. The 2024 minimum is $100; the maximum is $5,000.