Dependent Care Flexible Account

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) allow participants to set aside pre-tax dollars for qualifying dependent care expenses. Flexible spending accounts are administered by WageWorks.

How it works:

Claims for reimbursement must be submitted no later than November 30 following the end of the plan year (June 30). There is a 2.5-month grace period to use the benefits beyond the end of the plan year. Members have until Sept. 15 after each plan year to incur expenses toward the balance in the medical and/or dependent care spending account for the previous plan year. For more information about this extension, please read the following Q&A.

Money remaining in either account not claimed after November 30 will be forfeited. For this reason, accounts should be funded wisely. Careful planning is essential because the amount allocated cannot be changed during a plan year unless there is a qualifying change in status.

Please see WageWorks' website to view a guide and eligible expenses.

Annual Contributions

Under current Internal Revenue Service rules, the annual contribution limits are:

How to File a Claim:

To file a claim for your medical spending account, you will need to submit a Dependent Care Spending Account “ Pay Me Back” form.

• Dependent Care Spending Account "Pay Me Back" form
• See a sample completed form

WageWorks also now offers you the flexibility to file your "Pay Me Back" forms online. Simply follow these steps:

• Log in to your account at www.wageworks.com and click the Health Care or Dependent Care tab.
• Select the online claim form.
• Fill in all the information requested on the form and submit it.
• Scan receipts, EOBs, and other supporting documentation.
• Attach supporting documentation to your claim by using the upload utility (or print the pre-populated online claim form and submit it along with your documentation via mail or fax to the address or fax number referenced on the form).
• To speed processing, remember to save receipts that show exactly what you paid for, the amount, and the date of service.

Additional Information

Tools to help you decide how much to elect:

Not sure how much to elect into your medical spending account? Try the calculators below to assist you:

• Dependent Care Calculator

Contact WageWorks

To contact WageWorks directly, either log in to their website (when registering, use the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number as the "ID Code") or call them at 877-924-3967 (877-WageWorks).

Enroll in FSA Direct Deposit

For reimbursement of your dependent care spending reimbursements, you can have your funds deposited directly into your checking or savings account: (possible accordion)

• Go to www.wageworks.com and log in (or register as a first-time user and log into the system).
• Click on "Edit My Profile" in the "Manage My Accounts" box.
• Scroll down and under "Reimbursements" select the button next to "Reimburse me by direct deposit to the account below".
• Enter your banking information from your check and select the type of account.
• Click the "Next" button at the bottom of the page.
• It's that easy!

Plan Documentation

See the Plan Document for more detailed information about this plan.

DCFSA FAQs

Can I roll my DCFSA over from year to year?

No, the DCFSA is a “use-it-or-lose-it” plan, but you have a grace period that allows you some extra time after June 30th to spend any remaining HCFSA funds.

How long do I have to spend my DCFSA funds?

You will have the plan year (July 1 – June 30) plus a grace period through September 15 to incur charges for eligible dependent care expenses for your DCFSA.

Claims for any incurred charges during the plan year or grace period must be submitted to WageWorks no later than November 30th following the end of the plan year.

Can I change my DCFSA amount after annual enrollment?

You are generally not permitted to change elections after annual enrollment unless you experience a QLE.

How long do I have to wait to use my DCFSA?

You can use your DCFSA to pay your dependent care provider or submit claims for reimbursement for the amount you have contributed per paycheck.

DCFSA funds are made available only as money is added to the account.

How do I access my DCFSA?

Setup an account on the WageWorks site to pay your provider directly or to submit claims.

You may pay out-of-pocket and submit your receipts for eligible dependent care expenses to WageWorks for reimbursement. Please consider establishing a direct deposit of any reimbursements to receive your funds as quickly as possible.

What information must be included for reimbursements?

For the fastest reimbursement, make sure your eligible dependent care expense receipts include the required information below:

• Dependent's Name – the name of the person who received the service
• Provider's Name – the provider that delivered the service
• Date of Service – the date when services were provided
• Type of Service – a detailed description of the service provided
• Cost – the amount paid for the service

Please do not submit the credit card receipt, as this is not adequate documentation of an eligible expense.

What are qualified dependent care expenses?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) determines which expenses can be paid and reimbursed from a DCFSA some examples include:

• Babysitter
• Daycare
• Summer Day Camp
• Before and after-school programs
• Eldercare

Visit the WageWorks website for a full list of eligible dependent care expenses.

How much does Rice contribute to my DCFSA?

DCFSAs are fully funded by the faculty and staff.