Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

The university offers a type of Flexible Spending Account through which you can save up to $5,000 for the reimbursement of expenses incurred for the care of your children or certain qualifying adults. If you and your spouse file separate tax returns or your spouse uses a separate dependent care spending account, the most you may deposit in your dependent care spending account is $2,500 per year.

Expenses for these qualifying family members are eligible for reimbursement:

  • Children under age 13 who qualify as dependents on your federal income tax return
  • Other qualifying family members who are physically or mentally incapable of caring for themselves and who qualify as dependents on your tax return

Claims for reimbursement must total at least $50 and are processed weekly by Meritain Health. You will receive an account statement each time you are reimbursed. You have until June 30 of the following year to have claims for reimbursement for the prior year processed.

Note: Benefits-eligible faculty and staff can elect this option only in November of each year during open enrollment or with a life event.