Summer camp marketing starts earlier every year. So do Dependent Care FSA claims questions.
Under the 2026 limit, families can put as much as $7,500 away ($3,750 MFS). That extra room makes camp planning more interesting — and makes wrong claims more painful when they’re denied.
Usually eligible
- Day camps (including specialty day camps) while parents work
- Before/after-care programs tied to work needs
- Care for a qualifying child under age 13, or an eligible disabled dependent
Usually not eligible
- Overnight camps
- Summer school tuition that’s really education, not care
- Camps for kids who turned 13 (age rules are strict)
- Payments to a provider who is your under-19 child or another disallowed related provider
Claim hygiene
Ask for dates of service, provider name/TIN, and proof of payment. Prefunding an entire June–July camp in April can collide with the “expenses incurred” timing rules and the account’s contribution pace.
A one-page “camp & DCAP” note in your benefits portal in April prevents a summer of angry PDFs.