Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts help you pay for qualified dependent care so you can focus on work instead of worrying about childcare or care for elderly dependents. Consider whether this benefit fits your family budget and needs.
What are Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts?
Dependent care reimbursement accounts reimburse eligible dependent care expenses while you are at work. Dependents are typically defined as children under age 13, a disabled spouse, or dependent parents who rely on you for care.
Depending on your tax filing status, you can contribute up to $6,000 annually to a dependent care reimbursement account. Funds deposited are generally use-it-or-lose-it and do not carry over to the next year, so unused balances may be forfeited.
What Do Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts Cover?
You may only use funds in a dependent care reimbursement account for eligible care expenses that allow you (and your spouse, if any) to work or look for work. Keep documentation and receipts to verify eligible payments.
Examples of eligible expenses
- Childcare before and after school for children 13 and younger
- In-home care, provided the caregiver is not your dependent
- Care in your home or at a daycare for disabled dependents who live with you at least eight hours a day
- Licensed child and adult daycare providers
- Registration fees associated with qualified dependent care
- Summer day camp for children 13 and younger
Examples of expenses not covered
- Care that is not work-related
- Educational fees or tuition
- Food or clothing
- Overnight camps
- Payments to a dependent individual's parent or spouse
- Transportation expenses you personally incur
Keep all receipts and provider information to substantiate that funds were used for eligible expenses.
Why enroll in a Dependent Care Reimbursement Account?
- Perform better at work. Knowing your dependents have reliable care can reduce tardiness, absenteeism, and distraction so you can focus on job tasks.
- Reduce your tax burden. Contributions are made with pre-tax dollars, which can lower your taxable income.
- Balance your budget. Regular payroll deductions help manage the cost of childcare or elder care and smooth out expenses over the year.
For related employer benefit options, you can review resources such as Deductible Reimbursement Program and Loss Reimbursement Insurance.
Dependent care reimbursement accounts offer practical support for many families. Your Human Resources manager can provide plan-specific details, or you can talk to an agent for additional assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies as an eligible dependent for a dependent care account?
Eligible dependents generally include children under age 13, a disabled spouse, or dependent parents who require care and live with you or rely on you for support.
What happens to unused funds at the end of the year?
Most dependent care reimbursement accounts use a use-it-or-lose-it rule, meaning unused funds may be forfeited at year end unless your employer offers a grace period or carryover.
Can I use the account to pay for summer camp?
Day camps for children 13 and younger are typically eligible, but overnight camps are not covered.