Dependent Day Care/Eldercare FSA

The Dependent Day Care/Eldercare FSA lets you set aside before-tax dollars to pay for eligible non-medical day care expenses. Optum Bank is the administrator.

Eligibility

Associates eligible for the Full Benefit package.

Contributions

You can contribute up to $7,500 for individuals or married couples filing jointly, or $3,750 if filing separately; the minimum contribution is $100. Contributions are taken from your paycheck.

Can I change my Dependent Day Care/Eldercare FSA contribution?

No – unless you experience a life event. Otherwise, you can only make changes to your contribution amount during Annual Enrollment.

How It Works

Use the Dependent Day Care/Eldercare FSA to put aside money on a before-tax basis to pay for eligible dependent day care expenses for your eligible dependents, including:

• Your dependents under age 13
• Your spouse or other dependent (of any age) who is physically or mentally incapable of self-care and is claimed as an exemption on your federal income tax

To request reimbursement for eligible expenses, complete a Dependent Day Care/Eldercare FSA Reimbursement Form and submit the form online or via fax/mail to Optum Bank.

Note: If your domestic partner and/or domestic partner’s children qualify as your tax dependents, their expenses are eligible to be claimed under your Dependent Day Care/Eldercare FSA.

Eligible Expenses

Use your Dependent Day Care/Eldercare FSA funds to pay for day care for a dependent child under age 13 or other dependent (such as an elderly parent) who is physically or mentally incapable of self support. You must have paid the expenses to permit you to work. IRS Pub. 503 has a complete list of eligible and ineligible expenses.

Features

Tax Advantages

Dependent Day Care/Eldercare FSA contributions are deducted before-tax from your paycheck, which reduces your taxable income. Plus, you pay no taxes when you use Dependent Day Care/Eldercare FSA funds to pay for eligible expenses.

Reimbursement Deadline

You must submit your expenses and any required documentation by the claim deadline of March 31 of the following year.

Unused Funds Carry Over

The Dependent Day Care/Eldercare FSA does not permit carry over of dollars; you forfeit any money remaining in your account at the end of the plan year.

Portability – When You Leave UNFI

Your unused balance is forfeited and COBRA continuation coverage will not be available; however, you may submit 2025 claims for reimbursement through the end of the plan year but only up to the balance in your account as of your date of termination.