Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)

Am I eligible?

You are eligible for the DCAP if you meet criteria listed in Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 182-31-040. Generally, the DCAP is available to SEBB employees who are expected to work at least 630 hours during the school year.

Employees hired mid-year may also be eligible for the DCAP if they are expected to work at least 17.5 hours a week for six of the last eight weeks of the school year, and are expected to work 630 hours the next school year.

How can the DCAP help me?

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

A qualifying dependent must be either:

• 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?

• During the SEBB Program's annual open enrollment
• No later than 31 days after the date you become newly eligible for SEBB benefits
• No later than 60 days after you or an eligible dependent experiences a qualifying event that creates a special open enrollment

How do I enroll?

During annual open enrollment, you will enroll in the DCAP on the Navia Benefit Solutions website. Paper enrollment forms will also be available.

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 each SEBB Program annual open enrollment.

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, as well as net earnings from self-employment.

What’s the deadline to spend down my DCAP account?

All DCAP expenses must be incurred by December 31 each year. You must submit all claims for reimbursement to Navia Benefit Solutions no later than March 31 the following year. 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.

What if I have this benefit with my school district?

If you have a DCAP or Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA) for 2019, submit all claims to your payroll or benefits office by their deadline. If you choose to enroll in the DCAP with the SEBB Program, your benefit starts on January 1, 2020.

What happens to my DCAP funds when coverage ends?

If you terminate employment and have unspent Dependent Care Assistance Program funds, you may continue to submit claims for eligible expenses as 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 Medical FSA Enrollment Guide or DCAP Enrollment Guide at on Navia's website. You can also contact Navia Benefit Solutions at 1-800-669-3539 or send an email to customerservice@naviabenefits.com.