What you need to know
The Dependent Care FSA offers you a way to pay for eligible dependent adult and/or child care expenses using pretax dollars. Contributing is easy, and reimbursements are quick and convenient.
The Dependent Care FSA can save you money, because it allows you to pay for dependent care expenses for your eligible dependents with pretax dollars. This means your money goes further while reducing your taxable income.
Who’s eligible?
You can use your Dependent Care FSA contributions to help pay for care for:
- Children 12 years or younger; or
- Anyone physically or mentally incapable of self-care.
What expenses are eligible?
Eligible expenses include:
- Day care
- Summer camp
- Elder care
- After-school programs
Even if you’re not enrolled in a BAE Systems medical plan, you can still enroll in the Dependent Care FSA.
How it works
To participate, you must enroll in the Dependent Care FSA during the Annual Enrollment period each year. You and your spouse can typically contribute up to $5,000 total to Dependent Care FSAs each calendar year ($2,500 each if you are married but file your tax returns separately). Your contribution is deducted from your pay before federal, state, local, and Social Security taxes are withheld.
Using your FSA
Manage your account online through Smart-Choice Accounts, a website you access through BenefitsNavigator that lets you check your balance, submit a claim for reimbursement, check claim reimbursement status, etc., online at any time.
Get the Smart-Choice mobile app.
When you have an eligible dependent care expense, you can submit a claim through the Smart-Choice Accounts website or mobile app for reimbursement.
You must use all the money in your account during the applicable calendar year, or you will forfeit it.
All 2024 eligible Dependent Care FSA expenses must be incurred by December 31, 2024. You have until April 30, 2025, to submit these expenses as claims for reimbursement. All 2025 eligible Dependent Care FSA expenses must be incurred by December 31, 2025. You have until April 30, 2026, to submit these expenses for claims for reimbursement.
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
8 a.m.–8 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday
+1 718 354 1341 (outside the U.S.)