Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)

The Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) lets you set aside pretax money from your paycheck to help pay for qualifying child care or elder care expenses. Navia Benefit Solutions processes claims and provides customer service for School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) subscribers.

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Am I eligible?

Generally, the Dependent Care Assistance Program (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.

However, there is one exception. SEBB organizations can negotiate for their employees who work less than 630 hours to have SEBB benefits. But even if your organization does so, these employees are not eligible for the DCAP.

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.

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.

How do I enroll in the DCAP?

You will enroll in the DCAP on the Navia Benefit Solutions website. Details will be available closer to the first annual open enrollment (October 1 through November 15, 2019). 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 elect this benefit again during each SEBB Program annual open enrollment.

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 current benefit administrator by their deadline. If you choose to enroll in the DCAP with the SEBB Program, your benefit starts on January 1, 2020.