Dependent Care Spending Account
Saving for Child and Elder Care Expenses
You may need some help caring for your child or maybe an elderly dependent and those costs can add up quickly. The Dependent Care Spending Account (DCSA) is here to help you set aside money for day care or elder care expenses while also lowering your taxable income.
It’s important to point out that the DCSA isn’t for your dependent’s health-related expenses, the HSA and FSA can help with those expenses.
Who Qualifies as an Eligible Dependent?
To qualify for the DCSA, your child or elderly parent must live with you and depend on you for financial support. They must also meet the IRS definition of an eligible dependent, like when you file your taxes.
Contributing to Your DCSA
When you enroll in the DCSA, you choose an annual amount to contribute. The amount you elect is evenly deducted over the course of the year from your paycheck pre-tax.
- Minimum: $240/year
- Maximum: $5,000/year*
*Maximum $3,000 per year, if you're considered a highly compensated employee (HCE). You’re considered an HCE if your prior year gross earnings exceeded the annual amount of $150,000, set by the IRS. If both you and your spouse contribute to a DCSA, consult with a tax advisor to understand how much you can contribute.
Eligible Expenses
- Nursery school tuition
- Day care centers (including adult day care facilities)
- In-home day care providers
- Before- and after-school care, if not included in tuition
This is just a short list. For a complete list of eligible expenses, review IRS Publication 503. Note: this list is subject to change at any time.
Ineligible Expenses
- Food, clothing, and entertainment-related expenses
- Education expenses for a dependent in kindergarten or higher
- Expenses for any overnight camp, regardless of purpose
- Expenses reimbursable under any other plan or program
- Expenses for care provided to a dependent while in a convalescent nursing home
- Health care expenses
- Transportation expenses, including chauffeur services
Using Your DCSA Dollars
You use personal funds to pay your dependent care provider. Then, use NetBenefits website to file a reimbursement claim. You can request direct deposit to get your reimbursement faster.
If you need help using your account for filing claims, call Fidelity at 800-551-2333. Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. ET to 8:30 p.m. ET.
Key Dates
December 31, 2024
Last day to incur eligible expenses for the 2024 DCSA.
March 31, 2025
Last day to file all 2024 DCSA claims.