Special
Open
Enrollment

FlexElect Dependent Care Reimbursement Account Program

On March 3, 2025, Governor Newsom released Executive Order N-22-25, regarding minimum in-person work days.

To support employees during this transition, the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) is holding a Special Open Enrollment (OE) period for the FlexElect Dependent Care Reimbursement Account (DCRA) Program. This Special OE will be held from May 1 – 30, 2025.

About DCRA

The DCRA Program is a pre-tax benefit program that allows employees to set aside money to pay for qualifying dependent care expenses, such as childcare, elder care, and care for a disabled dependent. DCRA contributions are not taxable, which can lower taxable income. Learn more about the FlexElect DCRA Program by reviewing the 2025 FlexElect Handbook.

Special OE Key Dates and Details

If you are eligible, you can enroll in the program or increase your current DCRA contribution amount.

• Enrollment period: May 1 – 30, 2025
• Coverage period: July 1 – December 31, 2025
• Deductions: June 2025 pay period (appears on the July 1, 2025 pay warrant) through November 2025 pay period (appears on the December 1, 2025 pay warrant) – six month contribution period
• Important limitation: If you are currently enrolled in the program, you cannot cancel your enrollment or decrease your contribution during this Special OE period unless you have a qualifying permitting event

How to Enroll

Eligible state employees interested in newly enrolling or increasing their current contribution in the FlexElect DCRA Program may do so by:

• Complete a Reimbursement Account Enrollment Authorization (STD 701R) Form
• Submit the completed form to your personnel office by May 30, 2025
• For questions about the DCRA Program and eligibility, please contact your personnel office prior to May 30, 2025.
• If you miss this Special OE period for the DCRA program, you will have the opportunity to enroll or make changes during the fall annual OE from September 15 – October 10, 2025. All changes made during the fall annual OE will be effective January 1, 2026.

For Department Personnel Offices Only

For specific instructions on how to submit forms to the State Controller’s Office, please review the Special Open Enrollment Memorandum to State Department Personnel Offices.

Important dates for Special Open Enrollment