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DCFSA Guide
Turn caregiving into tax savings
A dependent care FSA helps you pay for eligible childcare and adult dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars — so you keep more of your paycheck.
What is a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account?
A Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA) lets you set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible dependent care expenses — like daycare, preschool, summer day camps, and elder care — that allow you and your spouse to work, look for work, or attend school full-time.1 Unlike a healthcare FSA, DCFSA funds become available only as payroll deductions are made.2
Benefits built for mobile.
Manage your DCFSA anytime, anywhere with our mobile apps.
EZ Receipts Mobile app
Snap a photo of your receipt and submit for reimbursement in seconds.
Am I eligible for a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account?
You may be eligible if your employer offers a DCFSA, and you have qualifying dependents — children under 13, a disabled spouse, or other qualifying individuals who need care so you can work.
How do I sign up?
Enroll through your employer during open enrollment or a qualifying life event. Once enrolled, you can set up your account online to manage your DCFSA.
Plan your spending
Pay for dependent care expenses
Use your DCFSA to pay for a wide range of dependent care expenses. See full list of eligible expenses
Babysitters & nannies
Nursery school
Preschool
Day camp
Before/after school
Elder care
Your savings can add up fast
If you contribute $5,000 to your DCFSA and your tax rate is 27%, you could save:
Make your elections
Choose your annual DCFSA contribution during open enrollment. Funds are deducted pre-tax from each paycheck throughout the plan year.4
DCFSA Annual Contribution Limit
The IRS allows up to $5,000 per household ($2,500 if married filing separately) per plan year. This limit is set by the IRS and may change each year.
Know the rules
Timing matters
DCFSA funds are "use it or lose it." Any money remaining in your account at the end of the plan year (or grace period, if your employer offers one) is forfeited. Plan carefully to avoid losing funds.
Grace period
Some employers offer a grace period of up to 2.5 months after the plan year ends, giving you extra time to use remaining funds. Check with your employer.
Limited election period
You can only enroll in or change your DCFSA election during your employer's annual open enrollment period or within 30 days of a qualifying life event (birth, adoption, marriage, divorce, etc.).5
New job
Marriage
New dependent
Loss of coverage
No double-dipping
You cannot use the same expenses for both a DCFSA reimbursement and the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. A tax advisor can help you decide which benefit is better for your situation.
We make it easy to get reimbursed:
- Submit claims via the HealthEquity mobile app or member portal
- Use the EZ Receipts app to snap and submit receipts instantly
- Pay with your benefits debit card at eligible providers
Want more?
DCFSA webinar
Watch our on-demand webinar to learn how a DCFSA can help you save on dependent care expenses.
Webinar DCFSA: Turn Caregiving into Tax SavingsExplore other FSA types
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