* Flex Spending Overview
A flexible spending account (FSA) enables you to reduce your taxable income by setting aside pre-tax funds to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses. The university offers two flexible spending account plans to eligible employees administered by EBPA. Note that not all plans are available to all employees.
Similarly, the university offers a Qualified Transportation Expense Plan (described separately).
How the FSA Plans Work
You set aside money from each paycheck to be directed to a health care and/or dependent care FSA. The amount you choose to contribute depends on the expenses you expect to incur from the date your enrollment in the plan is effective through December 31 of the current calendar year. The money set aside is deducted from your paycheck on a pre-tax basis, which lowers your taxable income. View each plan above to see minimum contributions and fund expirations. Download the Summary Plan Description (SPD) for additional plan information.
FSA - Summary Plan Description 2021.pdf
Enrollment
You may enroll in these plans or modify your elections during the below:
Your initial phase of eligibility as a new hire
FT Faculty and Staff are generally eligible on the first of the month following one full month of employment
PT Faculty are generally eligible after one year of employment
When your employment status changes resulting in eligibility for benefits
Due to a qualifying life event
During the annual open enrollment period
If you wish to continue participating in the FSA Plans, you must take action each year during Open Enrollment.
You may view your current benefits and per-paycheck contributions anytime. Once enrolled, you will be issued a benefits card from EBPA with a MasterCard logo that can be used to pay for eligible expenses at the point of purchase. Once you enroll, you can view your account transactions by logging on to www.ebpabenefits.com (go to Sign In; then use The New School as the Employer name. Click on Flexible Spending Accounts; then register or log in.) You can also call EBPA's member services department at 888.678.3457. You can request an additional benefits card for your spouse (as defined by the IRS) by completing the below form and submitting it directly to EBPA.
FSA - Additional Card Request Form.pdf
Submitting a Claim
If you pay for FSA-eligible expenses out of pocket instead of using your benefits card, you submit your completed reimbursement claim form and documentation of your out-of-pocket expense (e.g., an EOB from the health care or dental care carrier) electronically through EBPA's secure document submission portal, secure.ebpabenefits.com (select "Reimbursement Accounts"). You can also return your completed FSA Reimbursement Claim Form and documentation of your out-of-pocket expense (e.g., an EOB from the health care or dental care carrier) to the mailing address or fax number indicated on the form.
You have until March 31 of the following calendar year to file a claim for reimbursement.
Claim Forms:
FSA - Healthcare Claim Form.pdf
FSA - Dependent Care Claim Form.pdf
FSA - Direct Deposit Reimbursement Form.pdf
Return to Benefits - Overview.