The UC Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account) was implemented January 1, 2009.

DepCare FSA Highlights

• Academic Student Employees (TAs, Associates, Tutors & Readers) and Graduate Student Researchers appointed at 43.75% time may enroll in this program.  

• The employee must enroll during their period of initial eligibility (PIE = 31 days from the appointment begin date) or when they have a change in family or employment status. Employees may not enroll after their PIE expires.
• DepCare FSA allows enrollees to pay for eligible dependent care expenses on a pretax, salary reduction basis.
• The employee forfeits (i.e. “use it or lose it”) any contribution they can’t claim for the plan year.
• The minimum contribution is $180/year, maximum contribution is $5,000/year.
• Monthly deductions are based on the annual contribution elected by the employee divided by the remaining months within a calendar year. NOTE: monthly contributions continue only as long as the employee remains on active pay status and is otherwise eligible.
• Enrollment forms should be submitted by the 15^th of the first month of the eligible appointment to meet the monthly payroll deadline.
• For payroll deduction purposes, Readers and Tutors must be set up on a Monthly pay schedule if they wish to enroll in the program.

Enrollment Information

Employees must re-enroll in the plan if they have a one day break in service/pay.

Eligible employees who wish to enroll in the program should:

• Review the policy: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/other-benefits/flexible-spending-accounts/ase-depcare/index.html
• Complete the following enrollment form: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/forms/pdf/upay-919-ase-gsr.pdf
• Submit to Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs via a Services & Support ticket

IMPORTANT: To meet the payroll deadline, enrollment forms must be submitted to the Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs by the 15^th of the month. Payroll deductions will begin on the next payday. Late forms will not be processed until the next month.

See also: Support for Student Parents