Flex Spending Account

Make the most of your paycheck

01 / Check eligibility

For HCSA, you must work at least half-time, meet NYSHIP enrollment eligibility, and have a permanent appointment or expect to remain employed for the calendar year. Semester and school-year employees may also qualify. DCAA and Adoption have different eligibility rules—review the requirements for your chosen account.

02 / Plan and enroll

Estimate your eligible expenses for the year, choose your account(s), and select an annual contribution. New employees must apply within 60 days of their start date. Returning participants enroll during annual open enrollment. For new-hire or qualifying-event applications, sign in to Bentek and choose Life Events. Contact the FSA hotline to confirm your coverage start date and deadline.

Explore the account details

Use HCSA for eligible medical, dental, vision and hearing costs that your insurance does not reimburse. The 2026 annual election is $100–$3,400. New employees have a 61-day waiting period; apply within 60 days of your start date. Confirm your coverage effective date with the FSA administrator. Your full election is available at the start of your coverage period. Expenses cannot be reimbursed twice.

Pay for eligible care for a child under age 13, or a parent or other qualifying dependent who cannot care for themselves, so you can work. The 2026 annual household limit is up to $7,500; filing-status rules apply. Employer contributions count toward that limit. Funds are available as contributions reach your account. New employees have 60 days from appointment to enroll, with no waiting period for DCAA coverage.

Set aside up to $17,670 in 2026 through pre-tax payroll deductions for qualified adoption expenses. Eligible costs may include agency, court and attorney fees, home-study fees, and adoption-related travel. Federal and applicable state income-tax savings may apply; FICA taxes still apply. Enroll within 60 days of starting adoption proceedings. Only expenses incurred after enrollment qualify, and reimbursement is limited to funds already contributed.

Eligible employees can receive a State contribution by enrolling in DCAA. You may enroll for the employer contribution alone. The amount depends on annualized State salary and negotiating-unit eligibility; it counts toward your household limit. Current State contribution schedule:
Under $30,000 — $1,100
$30,001–$40,000 — $1,000
$40,001–$50,000 — $900
$50,001–$60,000 — $800
$60,001–$70,000 — $700
Over $70,000 — $600
For the exact $30,000 boundary or your individual eligibility, contact the FSA administrator. The State lists a separate $900 contribution for eligible GSEU employees.

Need help?

FSA Hotline / 1-800-358-7202

Get help with eligibility, enrollment and account questions Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Visit https://oer.ny.gov/fsa for current program rules, the savings calculator and enrollment materials. The 2026 Enrollment Book is a PDF.
Plan carefully: account limits and deadlines vary by year, funds cannot be transferred between accounts, and unused funds are subject to program carryover or grace-period rules.