What Happens to Your FSA Account Account When You Die
Quick Facts
Type
Flexible Spending Account
Urgency
High — funds may be forfeited
Key Rule
FSA funds are "use it or lose it"
Claim Window
Expenses incurred before death date only
Step-by-Step Guide
Determine FSA balance and claim deadline
Contact the employer or FSA administrator to find out the current FSA balance and the deadline for submitting claims. FSA funds can only be used for eligible expenses incurred before the date of death. Some plans allow a grace period for claim submission.
Estimated time: Within 2 weeks
Submit claims for unreimbursed expenses
Gather receipts for any eligible medical, dental, or vision expenses incurred before the date of death that have not yet been reimbursed. Submit claims to the FSA administrator before the deadline. Dependent care FSA claims work similarly.
Check for dependent coverage continuation
If the deceased's dependents were covered under a healthcare FSA, ask about COBRA continuation for the FSA. In some cases, dependents can continue to use the FSA for the remainder of the plan year by paying the remaining contributions.
Estimated time: 30 days for COBRA election
Document Now Checklist
- Employer name
- FSA administrator name
- Account number
- Current balance
- Annual election amount
- Claim submission deadline
- Unreimbursed eligible expenses
Last verified: June 2026. Platform policies may change. Verify current procedures directly with FSA Account. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Related Guides
Workday
Contact the deceased's employer HR department first — they coordinate most of these benefits and can provide contact information for each plan administrator.
ADP
Contact the deceased's employer HR department first — they coordinate most of these benefits and can provide contact information for each plan administrator.
Paychex
Contact the deceased's employer HR department first — they coordinate most of these benefits and can provide contact information for each plan administrator.
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