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.

What does “incurred” mean?

Incurred is defined by the IRS as the date(s) that the services are provided that gave rise to the expense. Expenses are not considered to be provided at the time you are billed. That means for Dependent Care FSAs, if you pay for services in advance, you cannot claim the expenses until you actually receive the services. For example, if you pay January's expenses at the beginning of the month, you cannot be reimbursed until the end of January when all of the services have been received. You may file a claim weekly for that week's services or you may file an Auto Dependent Care Claim Form if your weekly payments do not vary.

If I pay my dependent care provider in advance of the services, can I file my claim after I pay?

No, only charges that have been fully incurred can be distributed for reimbursement. If you pay in advance, please wait until after the care has been provided before submitting the claim for reimbursement.

What happens if I submit a claim for an amount greater than what I have in my Dependent Care FSA account at the time?

If you submit a claim for an amount greater than what you have in your Dependent Care FSA account at the time, the portion of the claim that is above the amount you have in your account will remain “pending” until funds are available from future contributions.

What happens if I terminate employment during the plan year?

Please check with your Human Resources department or contact Surency’s Customer Service department at 866-818-8805 to discuss the specific details of your plan.