Dependent Care Reimbursement Account Update

Dear OCEA member,

Late last week County Human Resource Services (HRS) sent a notice (below) to workers currently enrolled in a pre-tax Dependent Care Reimbursement Account (DCRA). The notice announced a possible opportunity for workers to make changes to their DCRA in response to the closure of schools, daycare, and day camps due to the COVID-19 pandemic. HRS requested that OCEA send you a reminder of this opportunity.

If you are currently enrolled in a DCRA, the HRS notice provides notice that changes to your DCRA can only be made within a 30-day period. This is an IRS regulation. Today the County informed us that it is the County's position that the 30-day period will terminate on April 30, 2020, if your “qualifying life event” is due to school closure. Others may have a different qualifying life event.

Call the County of Orange Benefits Center at (800) 858-7266 as soon as possible if you have questions or would like to make changes to your DCRA. And if you have any questions about your particular personal situation, please contact your tax advisor to obtain additional information or guidance.

In solidarity,

Charles Barfield
OCEA General Manager

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