How can I use the funds in my account without paying for expenses upfront and waiting for reimbursement?

Use your Benefits Card like a credit card to pay for medical expenses at the time of service or write the Benefits Card number on the bill you receive (just like you were paying with a credit card). By providing your card as the initial form of payment, you will automatically use funds in your account and will not need to wait for reimbursement. Please note, you should keep your receipts from any Benefits Card purchases in case we need to see those for verification of the expense.

Can I change the amount of money I set aside in my FSA in the middle of the Plan Year?

You can only change the amount if you’ve had a qualifying life event during the Plan Year. This includes marriage, divorce, birth or adoption of a child, death of a family member or an employment status change for yourself or your spouse. 

Are there minimum and maximum amounts I can contribute?

Your employer may specify a minimum and/or a maximum contribution amount that you may contribute. During your enrollment period, the minimum and/or maximum contribution amount will be communicated by your employer.

What can I pay for with my Dependent Care FSA dollars?

You can use the money in your Dependent Care FSA to pay for day care, babysitting and general purpose day camps for your dependents under the age of 13 while you are at work. You can also use the funds to pay for adult day care services for dependent adults who are unable to care for themselves (if they live with you for at least eight hours per day). 

How do I get reimbursed for Dependent Care expenses if the provider doesn’t accept my Benefits Card?

If your provider doesn't accept your Benefits Card for your dependent care expenses, you can submit a claim online using the Surency mobile app or your Member Account to be reimbursed. You could alternatively download this claim form to request reimbursement. Using the claim form, you can set up a recurring reimbursement if your expenses are for the same amount, from the same provider and for the same length of time.

What does “gainfully employed” mean?

One of the requirements for you to receive reimbursements from a Dependent Care FSA is that the expense is incurred allowing you and your spouse to be gainfully employed. This means that you are working and earning an income. You are not considered gainfully employed during paid vacation time or sick days. Gainful employment is determined on a daily basis. Since you are an employee of your employer, you are gainfully employed. If you have a legal spouse, then your spouse would also need to be gainfully employed for your expenses to be eligible. Other definitions of gainful employment include people who are:

• Unemployed but actively seeking work; or
• Self-employed; or
• Physically or mentally not capable of self-care; or
• Full-time students.

Do charges for food, transportation and activity fees qualify as Dependent Care expenses?

No. If your child’s child care center or summer camp charges for food, transportation or activities, these charges are not eligible as Dependent Care expenses.   

Do summer camps that include an overnight stay qualify as Dependent Care expenses?

No. Expenses that include overnight care are not eligible expenses. The charges cannot be prorated to include the portion that was for care during the day while you were working.

Do kindergarten charges qualify as Dependent Care FSA expenses?

No. Expenses for education do not qualify as Dependent Care expenses. However, if you are charged for after care for the portion of the day that your child attends the school, this charge does qualify as a Dependent Care expense. Your provider must supply you with documentation for the charges for the portion of the day that is specifically for care and well-being.