Family and Dependent Care

This section covers your dependent care flexible spending account, a separate bucket of pre-tax money set aside for childcare and elder care expenses. We walk through who qualifies as a dependent under IRS rules, what costs you can cover, how the money works across job changes, and what happens at major life milestones like turning 65 or retiring. You'll find answers to the questions people ask most: Can I use this account for my aging parent? What happens to my balance if I change employers? Do I have to list spouses or dependents on my regular FSA or HSA? We also explain how federal and military dependent care programs differ from employer plans, and how they fit with your wider benefits picture. A new baby, a divorce, or a change in custody can all affect what you're allowed to contribute mid-year, so we cover those life events too. Whether you're managing school costs, daycare, or care for an aging relative, this is where to start.