Review your current year's out-of-pocket Dependent Care expenses:
- Will your needs change or stay the same next year based on what you choose for Dependent Care coverage?
- Do you anticipate having any unreimbursed Dependent Care expenses?
- Consider out-of-pocket Dependent Care expenses not reimbursed by IBM or other plans for you and your eligible dependent(s) (those who meet IRS dependent guidelines).
Note: Expenses for a same-gender domestic partner will be eligible for reimbursement through the Dependent Care Spending Account only if he or she qualifies as a dependent under IRS regulations. - Don't overestimate. Government rules require that you forfeit any balance in your Dependent Care Spending Account that you don't use during the calendar year. Also, you won't be allowed to change your contribution during the year unless you have a qualified status change that permits a change in your Dependent Care Savings Account election. The loss of a babysitter or change in dependent care costs are not qualified status changes.