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Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Use pre-tax dollars for dependent care expenses.

A Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) can help you manage expenses for care your kids, aging parents, or family members with special needs.


Dependent Care FSAs are tax-advantaged accounts that allow you to put aside pre-tax dollars from your paycheck to help pay for eligible dependent care expenses that you or your spouse incur when you work, look for work, or attend school.

What types of expenses can I use my Dependent Care FSA for?

Dependent Care FSA funds can be used to pay for a variety of expenses, including but not limited to:

  • Day care or preschool
  • Before- or after-school programs
  • Day camp
  • Au pair or nanny
  • Adult day programs
  • In-home care

Adults and kids over age 13 need to be your tax dependents and reside in your home for their care expenses to be eligible.

For a listing of Dependent Care FSA eligible expenses visit The Complete FSA Eligibility List™ and select Dependent Care FSA from the drop-down menu or reference IRS Publication 503.

Additional details

The maximum annual contribution limit is set by federal law. The contribution limit is set per household, or per spouse if married and filing separately. Other limits may apply, and it could be subject to change in the future.

You decide how much you want to contribute for the year, up the contribution limit. Then you’ll fund the account with equal, tax-free deductions from each paycheck throughout the year.

Keep in mind that IRS rules make FSAs “use it or lose it” accounts. The IRS requires that funds you set aside pre-tax in the account be used by the end of the plan year, or you forfeit the funds. Be sure to estimate your predicted expenses for the year carefully.

When accessing Dependent Care FSA funds, remember that you can only use the amount of money that you’ve contributed from your paycheck up to that point.

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What are the current IRS contribution limits for Dependent Care FSAs?

View the annual IRS Contribution Limits.

Do all FSA funds need to be utilized by the end of my plan year?

IRS rules make Dependent Care FSAs “use it or lose it” accounts. The IRS requires that funds you set aside pre-tax in the account be used by the end of the plan year, or you forfeit the funds.


Some Dependent Care FSAs offer a grace period, which allows extra time to spend your funds.

Who qualifies as a dependent?

  • Your children under age 13.
  • A tax dependent of any age who is unable to care for themselves and lives with the employee for more than half the year.

    Consult a qualified tax advisor for guidance.

Will I need to submit documentation for my FSA purchases?

Yes, IRS rules require documentation to confirm that an expense is eligible to be paid through your FSA. You typically need to submit a receipt or other documentation to support a claim for reimbursement from your Dependent Care FSA.


You will need to provide an itemized statement from the dependent care provider. The statement should include: The dependent's name, the type of service, service date(s), amount billed, and provider's name, address, and tax identification number. All expenses must have already been incurred during the plan year for claim approval.

You should save receipts and documentation for all expenses and services, even if you paid with your Voya debit card. Voya may need to review a receipt to confirm the debit card purchase was for an eligible expense, or in the event of an IRS audit. 

Will I receive a debit card with my FSA?

You will receive an initial set of two debit cards, and you may request additional cards at no cost.


You can quickly and easily access your funds using your FSA debit card. You can use the card to pay a provider at the point of service and when paying provider invoices.

Be sure to keep your receipts for any eligible expenses — even when using your debit card to pay. IRS rules require documentation to confirm that an expense is eligible to be paid through your FSA. Receipts make it easy for you to reimburse yourself or provide documentation for a debit card purchase.

In addition to accessing FSA funds using your debit card, you may also request payments and/or reimbursements from your account using the Customer Portal or mobile app.

What do I do if my debit card declines or doesn’t work?

First, ensure you have activated the card and have available funds for use. You can confirm your card status and balance information within the Customer Portal.

If I use my own funds, can I be reimbursed?

Yes, you can easily file a claim for reimbursement through the portal, mobile app, or online claim form. To get your reimbursement faster, you can provide your bank account information in the Customer Portal or mobile app, for convenient direct deposit.

Once I request reimbursement, how long does it take for my funds to be available?

In general, if you have a bank account linked to your account this can take as little as 3 business days for the reimbursement to be posted. However, a check can take up to 7 business days to arrive. Reimbursement is dependent on whether the claim documentation is approved.

I requested a paper check for the payment/reimbursement of an eligible expense, and it wasn’t received. How can I request a replacement?

If it has been more than 14 days since the check was issued to you, or more than 30 days if the check was issued to your provider, you can submit a request for us to void the check and re-issue a new one. Access the Void & Reissue Request form.

Who can I contact regarding FSA questions?

Contact the Voya Health Account Solutions team at (833) 232-4673 or [email protected].

The FSA Store is not affiliated with the Voya® family of companies.

Flexible Spending Accounts offered by Voya Benefits Company, LLC (in New York, doing business as Voya BC, LLC).  

This highlights some of the benefits of a Flexible Spending Account. If there is a discrepancy between this material and the plan documents, the plan documents will govern. Subject to any applicable agreements, Voya and its subcontractors reserve the right to amend or modify the services at any time.

The amount saved in taxes will vary depending on the amount set aside in the account, annual earnings, whether or not Social Security taxes are paid, the number of exemptions and deductions claimed, tax bracket and state and local tax regulations. Check with a tax advisor for information on whether your participation will affect tax savings. None of the information provided should be considered tax or legal advice.

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