Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)

Am I eligible?

The Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) is only offered to PEBB benefits-eligible employees who work at state agencies, higher-education institutions and community and technical colleges.

How can the DCAP can help me?

Child and elder care can be one of the largest expenses for a family. The DCAP allows you to set aside money from your paycheck on a pretax basis to help pay for qualifying child care or elder care expenses while you (and your spouse or state-registered domestic partner) attend school full-time, work, or look for work.

A qualifying dependent must be:

• Age 12 or younger and live with you.
• Age 13 or older, physically or mentally incapable of self-care, and regularly spend at least eight hours each day in your household.

When can I enroll?

You can enroll in a DCAP account:

• No later than 31 days after the date you become eligible for PEBB benefits.
• During the PEBB Program’s annual open enrollment.
• No later than 60 days after you or an eligible family member has a qualifying event that creates a special open enrollment.

You must enroll in the DCAP for each plan year you want to participate. Your enrollment does not automatically continue year to year. If you want to enroll, make sure to choose this benefit again during open enrollment. 

How do I enroll?

• During open enrollment: Use the Navia Benefits Solutions website. Forms are also available.
• When you first become eligible or during a special open enrollment event: Submit the Midyear Enrollment Form to your payroll or benefits office. (University of Washington and Washington State University employees must enroll through Workday.)

How much can I contribute?

Estimate your expenses for the plan year and enroll in the DCAP for that amount. The money deducted from your pay is divided evenly by the number of paychecks you will receive in the plan year.

DCAP contributions are limited to:

• $5,000 annually for a single person or married couple filing a joint income tax return.
• $2,500 annually for each married participant who files a separate income tax return.

The total amount of your contribution cannot be more than either your earned income or your spouse's earned income, whichever is less. Earned income means wages, salaries, tips, and other employee compensation plus net earnings from self-employment.

For more help, use the Navia Benefit Solutions Tax Savings Calculator.

How do I submit claims?

When you incur an eligible expense, submit a claim online, use the mobile app, or send a claim form by fax, mail, or email to request reimbursement.

• Online: Navia Benefit Solutions
• Mobile App: download for iPhone or Android
• Email: claims@naviabenefits.com
• Fax: 425-451-7002 or toll free 1-866-535-9227
• Mail: Navia Benefit Solutions, PO Box 53250, Bellevue, WA 98015-3250

You can start submitting claims for reimbursement of eligible expenses as soon as the plan year begins, on January 1. However, you can only be reimbursed up to the dollar amount you have in your DCAP account at the time you request reimbursement. You may submit claims for services as often as you like, but not until after the services have been provided.

What is the deadline to spend my funds?

For 2022 DCAP funds and beyond, DCAP expenses must take place by December 31 each year. You must submit all claims for reimbursement to Navia Benefit Solutions no later than March 31 of the following year. Note: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, you can incur expenses and submit claims against 2021 DCAP funds through December 31, 2022 — giving you an extra 12 months to spend your funds. 

After that date, your account will be closed and any balance remaining will be forfeited to the Health Care Authority. Once the money is forfeited, you will not be able to claim it. This is called the "use-it or lose-it" rule.

What happens to my DCAP funds when coverage ends?

If you terminate employment and have unspent DCAP funds, you may continue to submit claims for eligible expenses through the end of the claims run-out period, so long as the expenses allow you to attend school full-time, look for work, or work full-time. Claims may be submitted up to your account balance and must be submitted to Navia Benefit Solutions by March 31 of the following plan year. You cannot incur expenses after December 31 of the plan year. There are no continuation coverage rights for the DCAP.

For more information on when coverage ends, see the DCAP Enrollment Guide on Navia's website. You can also call Navia at 1-800-669-3539 or email customerservice@naviabenefits.com.