Do summer camps that include an overnight stay qualify as Dependent Care expenses?

No. Expenses that include overnight care are not eligible expenses. The charges cannot be prorated to include the portion that was for care during the day while you were working.

What can I pay for with my Dependent Care FSA dollars?

You can use the money in your Dependent Care FSA to pay for day care, babysitting and general purpose day camps for your dependents under the age of 13 while you are at work. You can also use the funds to pay for adult day care services for dependent adults who are unable to care for themselves (if they live with you for at least eight hours per day). Visit Surency.com/Eligible for a comprehensive list of Dependent Care FSA eligible expenses.

What does “gainfully employed” mean?

One of the requirements for you to receive reimbursements from a Dependent Care FSA is that the expense is incurred allowing you and your spouse to be gainfully employed. This means that you are working and earning an income. You are not considered gainfully employed during paid vacation time or sick days. Gainful employment is determined on a daily basis. Since you are an employee of your employer, you are gainfully employed. If you have a legal spouse, then your spouse would also need to be gainfully employed for your expenses to be eligible. Other definitions of gainful employment include people who are:

• Unemployed but actively seeking work; or
• Self-employed; or
• Physically or mentally not capable of self-care; or
• Full-time students.

How do I get reimbursed for Dependent Care expenses if the provider doesn’t accept my Benefits Card?

If your provider doesn’t accept your Benefits Card for your dependent care expenses, you can submit a claim online using the Surency mobile app or your Member Account to be reimbursed. You could alternatively go to Surency.com/Forms to download a reimbursement form. Using the reimbursement form, you can set up a recurring reimbursement if your expenses are for the same amount, from the same provider and for the same length of time.

What is a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account?

It is a special type of pre-tax flexible spending account. The funds may only be used on qualified dependent care expenses, such as daycare and general-purpose day camps for dependents under the age of 13. Funds may also be used to pay for adult day care services for dependents who are unable to care for themselves.*

*If you participate in a Dependent Care FSA, you may not claim childcare credits on your tax return for the tax-free amounts you receive through this plan. Before you enroll, you should evaluate the tax advantages for each option as well as the impact on your tax liability and your ability to take advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit.