Not for municipalities
The Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), administered by Benefit Strategies, allows state employees to pay for qualified dependent care expenses for a child under the age of 13 and a disable adult dependent - including day care, after-school programs, elder day care, and day camp - on a pre-tax basis.

Download the   HCSA and DCAP list of eligible expences doc format of    hcsaeligibleexpensesCY2012.doc  and the   Flexible Spending Account Brochure 2012 pdf format of    Flexible Spending Account Brochure 2012  file size 6MB for details and an overview, respectively.

The program allows a participant to contribute up to $5,000 per family annually on a pre-tax basis as a payroll deduction. For taxpayers in a 28% income tax bracket, a $5,000 contribution to the DCAP would save an estimated $1,400 in taxes.

Eligibility and Monthly Fee

All active state employees who work half-time or more and have employment-related expenses for a dependent child under the age of 13 and an adult dependent are eligible for DCAP benefits.

For the 2011 calendar year, the monthly administrative fee for DCAP alone, HCSA alone, or HCSA and DCAP combined is $3.60 per month on a pre-tax basis.



DCAP Enrollment

New Employees

New employees may enroll for partial year benefits. For DCAP, coverage begins on the first date of employment.

Open Enrollment and Enrollment During The Year

The DCAP and HCSA plan year is January through December. Open enrollment for these programs will take place October 3 - November 18, 2011 for 2012 benefits. You must re-enroll each year. Employees who have a "qualified" family status change during the plan year, as outlined on the enrollment and change form may enroll during the year.

How do I get reimbursed for my dependent care expenditures?
As you incur qualified expenses, file a claim for reimbursement with using a DCAP Claim Form. All submitted claims must be accompanied by supporting documentation noted on the claim form.

What if I don't use all of the money elected to DCAP?
If the annual election is not used by the end of the tax year, according to IRS requirements you forfeit the remaining account balance. There is a 2 1/2 month grace period after the plan year ends (March 15 of each year) to incur expenses to be applied to the prior year balance. The GIC recommends that you carefully evaluate your estimated annual dependent care expenditures when you enroll.



Learn about and manage your DCAP account online:

  • Account Balances
  • Claims Received
  • Claims Processed
  • Dates when Checks were Paid
  • Download Forms

Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) Questions?
 

Contact Benefit Strategies

1-877-FLEXGIC (1-877-353-9442); flexgic@benstrat.com
 


HCSA/DCAP Participant Handbook FY2012 doc format of    HCSA/DCAP Participant Handbook FY2012

 




This information provided by the Group Insurance Commission.