Flexible Spending Accounts

Medical FSA

  • A Medical Flexible Spending Account (Medical FSA) is an IRS-approved program to help you save taxes and pay for out-of-pocket medical expenses not covered under your medical plan. If your plan includes a grace period option, you have additional time to incur and claim against unused funds in the new plan year. Keep in mind that remaining balances after the grace period is exhausted will be forfeited under the use-it-or-lose-it rule. 

    • When expenses are incurred, not necessarily paid 
    Your maximum contribution amount for 2024 is $3,200. 

    Highlights: FSA will now run September 1–August 31 each year!

    • Contributions are automatically deducted from your paycheck on a pre-tax basis, which helps reduceyour taxable income and increase your spendable income. 
    • Your full election will be available to you at the beginning of the plan year. 
    • Be conservative – any money left in your account at the end of the plan year with be forfeited. 
    • Use your benefits card to pay for qualified expenses upfront without spending money out of pocket. 
    • Keep all receipts in case you need to substantiate a claim for tax purposes. 

    NOTE: The IRS requires proof that all expenses are eligible. Keep all receipts in case you need to substantiate a claim for tax purposes. Your receipt must include the date of purchase or service, amount you were required to pay after insurance, description of the product or service, merchant or provider name, and the patient’s name. 

Dependent Care FSA

  • With a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, you can set aside part of your pay on a pre-tax basis to pay for eligible dependent care expenses like childcare, babysitters, and adult day care. 

    You may allocate up to $5,000 per tax year for reimbursement of dependent care services. If you are married and file a separate tax return, the limit is $2,500. 

    Highlights

    • Eligible dependents must be claimed as an exemption on your tax return.
    • Eligible dependents must be children under age 13 or an adult dependent incapable of self-care.
    • Funds become available as contributions are made to your account.
    • Keep all receipts in case you need to substantiate a claim for tax purposes.
    • Balances will be forfeited at the end of the runoff or grace period.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts First Financial Administrators, Inc.

We're Here to Help

  • Harris County Department of Education
    Benefits Office
    6300 Irvington Blvd.
    Houston, TX 77022 

    Email: benefits@hcde-texas.org
    Phone: 713-696-8284 

    First Financial Group of America
    Andrew Sipp, Sr. Account Manager 

    Email: Andrew.sipp@ffga.com
    Phone: 713-502-4616 

FSA Resources

  • Benefits Card

    The First Financial Benefits Card is available to all employees that participate in a Medical FSA and/or a Dependent Care FSA. The Benefits Card gives you immediate access to your money at the point of purchase. Cards are available for participating employees, their spouse and any eligible dependents who are at least 18 years old. 

    *The IRS requires validation of most transactions for FSAs. You must submit receipts for validation of expenses when requested. If you fail to substantiate by providing a receipt to First Financial within 60 days of the purchase or date of service your card will be suspended until the necessary receipt or explanation of benefits from your insurance provider is received. 

    View Your Account Details Online 

    Sign up to view your account balance, find claim forms and check claims status on our secure website. Log in at www.ffga.com. After you log in, you may sign up to have reimbursements directly deposited to your bank account. View the Portal Log-in Guide now! 

  • FF Mobile Account App 

    With the FF Mobile Account App, you can submit claims, view account balance and history, check claims status, view alerts, upload receipts and documentation and more! The FF Mobile Account App is available for Apple® and Android™ devices on either the App StoreSM or Google Play Store™. View the FF Mobile Account App User Guide and Quick Reference Guide. 

    FSA Store 

    First Financial has partnered with the FSA Store to bring you an easy-to-use online store to better understand and manager your account. You can shop for eligible medical items like bandages and contact solution, browse for products and services using the Eligibility List and visit the Learning Center to find answers to commonly asked questions. Visit the store at http://www.ffga.com/ individuals/#stores for more details and special deals.