Dependent Care Assistance Program
Overview
The dependent care assistance program (DCAP) is an employee benefit plan – or a flexible spending plan – that helps employees pay for the care of a qualifying dependent.
The program provides reimbursements for up to $5,000 annually ($2,500 each for married couples filing separately) to employees who pay for dependent care. Employees are then allowed to deduct these dependent care expenses from their paycheck on a pre-tax basis, which can include an employer contribution.
DCAP helps parents afford child care by offseting the costs of going to work and providing for their families. It is critical that Congress expand this tax provision to support businesses and parents.
Top
Resources
latest
updates
Subscribe to FFYF First Look
Every morning, FFYF reports on the latest child care & early learning news from across the country. Subscribe and take 5 minutes to know what’s happening in early childhood education.
What You Can Do
about DCAP
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact our policy team directly at mail@ffyf.org for more info.