DCAP Election Change Events
This page defines the life events that allow you to make changes in the amount you elect to contribute to dependent care expenses at the beginning of the plan year.
Election Change Events
At the beginning of the plan year, you elect a dollar amount to contribute to your account. This election can only be changed if you experience a life change that qualifies as an Election Change Event.
After experiencing an Election Change Event, you have 30 days from the date of the event to contact your employer and change your election amount.
There are two restrictions to changes made as a result of an Election Change Event:
- The change must correspond with the type of change, e.g., birth of a child increases election, child turning 13 decreases election.
- The new dollar amount can't be less than the amount that you've already contributed in the current plan year.
Events that allow you to change your DCAP election
Below are examples of Election Change Events that allow you to change your election amount.
Events that increase election
- You give birth to or adopt a child
Events that decrease or terminate election:
- Dependent is no longer eligible, e.g., a child turns 13 years old
- Your child no longer resides with you after a divorce
Events that increase or decrease dependent care election:
- Change of daycare provider
- Cost of care changes (unless care provider is a relative)
- Need for care changes due to a job change or change of work hours
Changing your election