Kimberly Clark

Dependent Care Spending Account

Saving for Child and Elder Care Expenses

You may need some help caring for your child or maybe an elderly dependent and those costs can add up quickly. The Dependent Care Spending Account (DCSA) is here to help you set aside money for day care or elder care expenses while also lowering your taxable income.

It’s important to point out that the DCSA isn’t for your dependent’s health-related expenses, the HSA and FSA can help with those expenses.


Who Qualifies as an Eligible Dependent?

To qualify for the DCSA, your child or elderly parent must live with you and depend on you for financial support. They must also meet the IRS definition of an eligible dependent, like when you file your taxes.

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Contributing to Your DCSA

When you enroll in the DCSA, you choose an annual amount to contribute. The amount you elect is evenly deducted over the course of the year from your paycheck pre-tax.

  • Minimum: $240/year
  • Maximum: $5,000/year*

*Maximum $3,000 per year, if you're considered a highly compensated employee (HCE). You’re considered an HCE if your prior year gross earnings exceeded the annual amount of $150,000, set by the IRS. If both you and your spouse contribute to a DCSA, consult with a tax advisor to understand how much you can contribute.

Eligible Expenses

  • Nursery school tuition
  • Day care centers (including adult day care facilities)
  • In-home day care providers
  • Before- and after-school care, if not included in tuition

This is just a short list. For a complete list of eligible expenses, review IRS Publication 503. Note: this list is subject to change at any time.

Ineligible Expenses

  • Food, clothing, and entertainment-related expenses
  • Education expenses for a dependent in kindergarten or higher
  • Expenses for any overnight camp, regardless of purpose
  • Expenses reimbursable under any other plan or program
  • Expenses for care provided to a dependent while in a convalescent nursing home
  • Health care expenses
  • Transportation expenses, including chauffeur services

Using Your DCSA Dollars

You use personal funds to pay your dependent care provider. Then, use NetBenefits website to file a reimbursement claim. You can request direct deposit to get your reimbursement faster.

If you need help using your account for filing claims, call Fidelity at 800-551-2333. Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. ET to 8:30 p.m. ET.

Key Dates

December 31, 2024

Last day to incur eligible expenses for the 2024 DCSA.

March 31, 2025

Last day to file all 2024 DCSA claims.


Disclaimer

This site is provided to help Kimberly-Clark (K-C) employees better understand their benefit plans. It does not guarantee coverage under a plan and does not provide complete descriptions of K-C benefit plans. K-C reserves the right to change these plans at any time. In all cases, the formal Plan Documents will govern.

If you are an organized hourly employee covered by these plans, see your HR representative or other person designated at your unit for information on how your plan(s) may differ from the information on this site. You may also call the Benefits Information Line at 800-551-2333. Empyrean representatives are available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET and Fidelity representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET. From outside the U.S., dial your country’s toll-free AT&T Direct Access number then enter 800-551-2333.