DCAP - List of Eligible & Ineligible Expenses
We’ve assembled a brief list of common expenses that are eligible for reimbursement; not all eligible items are on this list. Some expenses may be eligible if you meet certain criteria.
It is your responsibility to find out if a service or product is eligible before you sign up for the benefit. Keep in mind that day care expenses must be for children 12 or younger, unless the child is incapable of self-care.
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Au pair
Au pair
The costs relating to an au pair for the care of a child are reimbursable.
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Baby-sitter
Baby-sitter
As long as the sitter is not a dependent of the participant, or a spouse, the costs are eligible.
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Before and after school care
Before and after school care
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Care of child incapable of self-care
Care of child incapable of self-care
Children 13 and over incapable of self-care will be subject to restrictions as listed under Elder Care (must spend at least eight hours a day in the home etc.). However, qualifying children under the age of 13 incapable of self-care do not need to spend at least eight hours a day in the employee’s home. However, expenses for such children would still have to meet other requirements that could be affected by the amount of time they spend away from home. Please check with your tax advisor or IRS publication 501 and 503. We will need a Letter of Medical Necessity for any child 13 and over.
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Childcare by a relative
Childcare by a relative
Cannot be a dependent of the plan holder. Must be at least 18.
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Day camp
Day camp
If not overnight. Only the cost for the child to attend the camp is eligible.
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Daycare for a child aged 13 or older
Daycare for a child aged 13 or older
Children 13 and over incapable of self-care will be subject to restrictions as listed under Elder Care (must spend at least eight hours a day in the home etc.). However, qualifying children under the age of 13 incapable of self-care do not need to spend at least eight hours a day in the employee’s home. However, expenses for such children would still have to meet other requirements that could be affected by the amount of time they spend away from home. Please check with your tax advisor or IRS publication 501 and 503. We will need a Letter of Medical Necessity for any child 13 and over.
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Deposits
Deposits
As long as the deposit is for daycare services that will be provided within the plan year the claim is being filed; and the service has been provided. Prorating may be necessary for those services that extend from one year to another.
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Elder care
Elder care
Costs relating to the care of a dependent adult who is unable to care for themselves will qualify only if: 1) such expenses are not attributable to medical services; 2) the elderly person is a qualifying individual; and 3) in the case of services provided outside the employee’s household the person still regularly spends at least eight hours each day in the employee’s home. Elder day care will often qualify, but 24 hour care in a nursing home will not. We will need a Letter of Medical Necessity.
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Enrichment classes
Enrichment classes
Enrichment classes are not eligible.
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Enrichment classes/Summer School
Enrichment classes/Summer School
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Extended day programs
Extended day programs
Activities provided after school, which are primarily custodial in nature.
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FICA and FUTA taxes
FICA and FUTA taxes
Paid to a daycare provider are eligible.
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Kindergarten or school tuition
Kindergarten or school tuition
Pre-school and before and after care is okay
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Meals, supplies, transportation costs, uniforms costs, diaper fees, etc.
Meals, supplies, transportation costs, uniforms costs, diaper fees, etc.
The cost of transportation by a daycare provider of a qualifying individual to or from a place where care of that qualifying individual is provided may be for the care of the qualifying individual. The cost of transportation not provided by a daycare provider is not for the care of the qualifying individual.
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Nanny fees
Nanny fees
Costs relating to the payment of a nanny for the care of a child are reimbursable.
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Nursery school/pre-school/pre-kindergarten
Nursery school/pre-school/pre-kindergarten
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Nursing home/long term care expenses
Nursing home/long term care expenses
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Overnight camps
Overnight camps
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Parents night out
Parents night out
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Registration fees
Registration fees
As long as the registration fee is for daycare services that will be provided within the plan year the claim is being filed; and the service has been provided. Prorating may be necessary for those services that extend from one year to another
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Sick child care
Sick child care
Only if they are enabling the parent to go to work
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Summer school
Summer school
Summer school is not eligible.
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No Expenses Found