Dependent Care Account (DCA) Support

We're here to help! Get the support you need for your DCA, from filing claims to frequently asked questions, all in one place.

 

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DCA Step-by-Step Process

January 1

Pay dependent care provider

January 1-30

Care is provided

January 30

Contribution is withheld from paycheck

(Varies based on scheduled deduction dates.)

February 1

Submit reimbursement request for January's care

(Processed within 3 to 5 business days and pending until the contributions are received from the employer.)

February 5

Contribution received from employer and posted to participant account

February 6

Reimbursement is issued via direct deposit or paper check



Disclaimer: This is for illustrative purposes only. Dates and terms may vary by employer.

How to Submit a
Reimbursement Claim

Use your DCA to reimburse yourself for eligible dependent care expenses. Eligible services must be received and paid for before filing for reimbursement.

To file a claim, you must provide the following:

  • The tax ID of the care provider, or
  • The individual Social Security Number of the care provider

Learn More About DCAs

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • You may allot up to $5,000 per tax year, or $2,500 if married and filing a separate return.

  • Typically, you can only elect contributions into your DCA during a yearly open enrollment period, but there may be exceptions if you experience a qualifying life event. Some changes may not be permitted. Check with your employer regarding the plan design and/or restrictions. 

    A DCA may allow certain changes when there is a change in the need for care or cost of care, as well as when there is a change in care providers.

    Your employer determines if you can make mid-plan year election changes. You should contact your employer if you've experienced a qualifying event and wish to make a change.

  • Yes. Here is how:

    • Online
      • Log in to your online account.
      • Click on the File a Claim button.
      • Select Reimbursement Account(s).
      • Complete the claim form.
      • Click the Submit button.

    • AFmobile®
      • Touch the Submit Reimbursement button on the AFmobile dashboard.
      • Complete the Claim Form.
      • Click the Submit button.

    To send a payment to a provider instead of reimbursing yourself, select Yes on the Pay Provider section. Then, choose your provider's name from the dropdown menu. If you don’t see your provider listed, select Add New Provider Record to add your provider. Enter your provider’s name, address, city, state, and zip code.

  • Qualifying expenses may include before-school care, after-school care, summer day camp, and day care. For more information, check out our list of eligible expenses.

  • DCAs are “use or lose” accounts. This means, at the end of your plan year, the funds remaining in your account may be lost.

    Your plan may include a runoff period that allows you to file claims for the previous plan year’s expenses. However, these expenses must have been incurred during the plan year.

    To view your specific plan details, log in to your online account and select the account name from the home dashboard. 

    View Reimbursement Account Details 

    Read: Carryovers, grace periods, and runoff periods - what are the differences?

  • If you already have an American Fidelity online account, simply log in to your account to view your DCA information.

    If you have not created an account, click here to register now. Then, follow the prompts to complete the registration process. You will use this same registration information on the mobile app, AFmobile®.

    1. Log in to your online account.
    2. From the home dashboard, select Manage My Reimbursement Account.
    3. Hover over your name in the screen's top right corner, then select Communication Settings from the drop-down menu.
    4. In the Assigned Notifications section, ensure you opt in to mobile or both (email and mobile), then select Save.
    5. Under the Phone Registration Status, select Add Number, enter your number, then select Save.
    6. You should receive a text message from the number (855) 621-5746. Reply "Y" to complete your registration.

  • The fastest way to file a reimbursement claim is through your online account, or on our mobile app, AFmobile®.

      1. Log in to your online account
      2. Click the File a Claim button on the top of the page
      3. Select Reimbursement Account
      4. Complete the claim form
      5. Click the Submit button

    Fax or Mail

      1. Download and complete a Dependent Care Reimbursement/Provider Acknowledgement Form
      2. Include all applicable documentation. Please note, paper claim filing is not the fastest option.

    Eligible expenses generally must have been incurred during the current plan year. Check with your employer for specific rules applicable to your plan.

  • Turnaround time for claims processing is generally 3-5 business days after we receive all required documentation and the amount being requested for reimbursement has been contributed and deposited into your DCA.

  • The fastest way to receive your reimbursement is through direct deposit.

    Sign up for direct deposit online by logging in to your online account and selecting Manage My Reimbursement Account. Hover over your name to access your Profile, then click the Edit button above Reimbursement Method.

    If you do not sign up for direct deposit, you will receive a check by mail. Note: This method will increase the time it takes to receive your reimbursement.

    • Online
    • AFmobile®
      • Log in to AFmobile to view your DCA balance from the home dashboard. 

  • Internal Revenue Code (IRC) regulations have requirements stating that expenses must be verified. For DCAs, the information required may be provided by a third party in the form of a statement or documentation.

    When filing a DCA claim, you must provide the following required information during the claim process:

    • The tax ID of the care provider, or
    • The individual Social Security Number of the care provider

  • No, you may not add documentation to your existing denied claim. You will need to submit a new claim with the correct documentation.

Explore Our DCA Blogs

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