How It Works #

Enroll through your employer during open enrollment or after a qualifying life event.

Choose your annual contribution, up to the IRS limit.

Money is deducted from your paycheck pre-tax, typically spread evenly across the year.

Submit claims for reimbursement for eligible expenses you’ve already paid.

Note: Unlike healthcare FSAs, funds are not available upfront—you can only be reimbursed up to the amount that has been contributed to date.

 

Usage #

You can use your DCFSA funds to pay for care that allows you (and your spouse, if married) to work, look for work, or attend school full-time.

Examples of Eligible Expenses: #

Daycare or nursery school

Preschool (only the care portion, not education)

Before/after school programs

Nannies, babysitters (work-related care)

Summer day camps (overnight camps are not eligible)

Adult day care centers

Ineligible Expenses #

Certain expenses are not eligible, even if related to care:

Tuition for kindergarten and up

Overnight camps

Meals, field trips, or supplies

Care provided by your spouse, child under 19, or another dependent

Nursing home expenses

Babysitting when not work-related (e.g., date night)