The Dependent Care Assistance Program (DepCare) is a voluntary program is established as a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) section 129. FSAs allow employees to pay for medical or dependent care expenses not covered by insurance with pre-tax funds.

You can participate in DepCare if you meet any of the following criteria:

• You are an active employee appointed by the University to work at least 50% time for one year or more, or 100% time for three months or more
• You have worked 1,000 hours in a 12-month period
• You are appointed to work at least 43.75% time

In addition, if you are married, both you and your spouse (unless your spouse is incapable of self-care or is a full-time student) must have earned income during the year.

You can enroll when you are hired or transferred into an eligible position, during open enrollment (typically November), using the At Your Service Open Enrollment Web site, or when your status changes. Participants must re-enroll each plan year.

If you choose to enroll:
• The amount you specify when you enroll is taken from your paycheck each month on a pretax basis and deposited in your DepCare account
• You pay your dependent care expenses as usual
• You submit a claim form (PDF) and receipts to SHPS requesting reimbursement for eligible expenses after the dependent care has been provided

For details, get a copy of the summary plan description (PDF), or get more information from SHPS, the company that administers UC's flexible spending accounts.

To determine your estimated tax savings by participating in DepCare, use the FSA calculator tool.

Need an expert? Contact your Benefits representative.