How to Enroll in a Dependent Care FSA: Step-by-Step

Dependent Care FSA elections are almost always locked in during a specific window — your employer's open enrollment period, or a qualifying life event outside of it. Here's how to actually go through it.

1. Confirm you're eligible

You need earned income, and the care must be for a qualifying child under 13 or another dependent who can't self-care, and must allow you (and your spouse, if married) to work. See what is a Dependent Care FSA for the full eligibility rules.

2. Estimate next year's care costs

Add up what you expect to spend on daycare, before/after-school care, preschool care (not academic tuition), or day camp for the upcoming plan year. Be conservative — funds are generally use-it-or-lose-it, so it's usually better to slightly underestimate than overestimate.

3. Decide your election amount

For 2026, you can elect up to $7,500 per household (or $3,750 if married filing separately) — but only up to what your specific employer's plan allows, which may be lower. Use the savings calculator to see the actual dollar value of different election amounts before you commit.

4. Elect during open enrollment

Log into your employer's benefits platform (Workday, ADP, Rippling, or a dedicated benefits enrollment tool) during the designated window and select the Dependent Care FSA option. Your election amount is divided evenly across your paychecks for the plan year.

5. Save your provider's tax ID

You'll need your care provider's Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number to file claims — get this at enrollment time rather than scrambling for it later.

6. Submit claims as you go

Depending on your administrator, you'll either use a debit card at the point of payment or submit a reimbursement claim with an itemized receipt afterward. Don't wait until year-end — submit as you incur expenses so you can track your remaining balance against your election.

If you're not sure whether the FSA or the Dependent Care Tax Credit is the better move for your household, it's worth comparing both before you finalize your election.