You can change your FSA contribution only during open enrollment or if you have a may have access to life event

FSA contributions are locked in for the plan year—you cannot change the amount you contribute whenever you want. Your employer sets an open enrollment period each year (usually in the fall) when you can adjust your contribution for the next plan year. Outside of that window, the only way to change what you contribute is to experience a may have access to life event: a change in your family status, income, or health coverage that the IRS recognizes as a reason to alter your benefits mid-year.

If you do not have a may have access to event and open enrollment has closed, you are stuck with your current contribution amount until the next open enrollment period arrives. This is why it matters to get the number right the first time—FSA money you do not use by the end of the plan year (or during a short grace period, if your employer offers one) is forfeited.

Key Takeaways

  • Open enrollment is the standard time to change FSA contributions, and it happens once per year, usually in the fall for the following plan year.
  • may have access to life events—marriage, divorce, birth of a child, loss of coverage, or significant income change—allow you to change contributions outside open enrollment within 30 to 60 days of the event.
  • You must notify your employer's benefits administrator or HR department in writing and provide proof of the may have access to event.
  • If you change jobs or lose employer coverage, you may be able to roll unused FSA funds into a health savings account (HSA) under certain conditions, though most FSA balances cannot be carried forward.

What counts as a may have access to life event

The IRS allows FSA contribution changes for specific events related to family, employment, or health coverage. The most common are: marriage or divorce, birth or adoption of a child, death of a spouse or dependent, significant change in your spouse's income or benefits, loss of health coverage (yours or a dependent's), change in your child's school or daycare costs, and a substantial change in your own income.

Some employers also recognize additional events, such as a change in your commute costs or a change in your dependent care provider. Check your employer's FSA plan document or ask your HR department which events they recognize, because the list varies by employer and is not set by federal law alone.

You will need to provide documentation of the event—a marriage certificate, birth certificate, divorce decree, termination letter from your previous employer, or a letter from your daycare showing a cost increase. Your employer's benefits team will tell you what they need to see.

The 30- to 60-day window after a may have access to event

Once a may have access to event happens, you typically have 30 to 60 days to request a change to your FSA contribution. The exact important date depends on your employer's plan rules, so check your benefits handbook or ask HR for the specific timeframe. Missing this window means you cannot change your contribution until the next open enrollment period.

You must submit your request in writing—usually through your employer's benefits portal, by email to HR, or on a paper form. straightforward telling your manager or a coworker does not count. Keep a copy of your request and the date you submitted it, along with any confirmation your employer sends back.

How to request a mid-year contribution change

Contact your employer's HR department or benefits administrator and ask for the form to change FSA contributions due to a may have access to event. Some employers use an online portal where you can make the change yourself; others require a paper form. You will need to describe the event, provide the date it occurred, and explain how it affects your FSA needs.

Attach copies of your supporting documents—do not send originals. For example, if you had a baby, include a copy of the birth certificate. If you lost coverage, include a copy of your termination letter or COBRA notice. Your employer will review your request and either approve the change or ask for more information.

Once approved, the new contribution amount takes effect on the date your employer specifies, which is usually the first of the month following approval. Your paycheck deductions will adjust accordingly.

What happens if you miss the important date

If you do not request a change within the allowed window after a may have access to event, your contribution stays the same for the rest of the plan year. You cannot go back and change it retroactively. This is why it is important to act quickly once a may have access to event occurs.

If you realize you contributed too much and will not use all your FSA funds, you have limited options. Some employers offer a grace period of up to 2.5 months after the plan year ends to spend remaining funds. If your employer does not offer a grace period, or if you still have money left after the grace period ends, that money is forfeited—you cannot roll it into the next year or get it refunded to you.

Leaving your job and what happens to your FSA

When you leave your job, your FSA coverage typically ends on your last day of employment. You have until the end of the plan year to spend any remaining FSA balance, but only if your employer allows continued access after you leave—some do, some do not. Check with your benefits team before you resign.

If you move to a new job with FSA coverage, you cannot transfer your old FSA balance to the new plan. The money stays with your old employer's plan (if you can still access it) or is forfeited. However, if you have an HSA at your new job and you are no longer enrolled in an FSA, you may be able to roll unused FSA funds into the HSA under IRS rules. This is rare and requires specific conditions, so ask your new employer's benefits team whether it is an option.

Open enrollment: your annual chance to adjust

Open enrollment is when you can change your FSA contribution without a may have access to event. Most employers hold open enrollment in the fall (September through November) for benefits that start January 1 of the following year. Some employers with different plan years may hold it at a different time.

During open enrollment, you can increase your contribution, decrease it, or stop contributing altogether. You can also enroll in an FSA for the first time if you did not have one before. Your employer will send you enrollment materials—usually a benefits guide and an online portal or paper forms. Follow the instructions and submit your choices by the important date your employer sets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my FSA contribution if I had a baby?

Yes, birth of a child is a may have access to event. You have 30 to 60 days from the birth date to request a contribution change through your employer's HR or benefits department. You will need to provide a copy of the birth certificate. The new contribution amount usually takes effect the first of the month after your request is approved.

What if I get divorced—can I lower my FSA contribution?

Yes, divorce is a may have access to event that allows you to change your contribution. You have 30 to 60 days from the divorce date to submit a request with a copy of your divorce decree. You can increase or decrease your contribution depending on your new family situation and dependent care costs.

If I do not use all my FSA money, can I get it back?

No. FSA funds are forfeited if you do not spend them by the end of the plan year (or by the end of a grace period, if your employer offers one). This is called the "use-it-or-lose-it" rule. You cannot roll unused money into the next year or receive a refund.

Can I change my FSA contribution if my daycare costs go up?

It depends on your employer's plan. A significant increase in dependent care costs is a may have access to event at many employers, but not all. Check your benefits handbook or ask HR whether a change in daycare costs qualifies. If it does, you have 30 to 60 days to request the change with proof of the new cost.

What if I lose my health insurance—can I change my FSA?

Yes, loss of health coverage (yours or a dependent's) is a may have access to event. You have 30 to 60 days to request a change. If you lose coverage and are no longer may be able to access for an FSA, you can usually continue to spend your remaining FSA balance through the end of the plan year, depending on your employer's rules.