The Plan Document is the Rule Book

The Plan Document is the Rule Book

A recent IRS Information Letter provides a good reminder of the importance of having a plan document and following it scrupulously. 

The facts in this Information Letter particularly relate to a participant of a dependent care assistance plan (DCAP) who sought a mid-year election change due to “disrupted or unforeseeable child care environment”.  The request was denied since it did not occur during the plan’s open enrollment period. 

As background, benefit elections in DCAPs and cafeteria plans, in general, cannot be revoked or changed during the course of the plan year, except as specifically provided by the plan.  As a general rule, a cafeteria plan election is binding for the entire 12-month plan year.  Mid-year election changes due to a status change or change in cost or coverage are permitted, but only to the extent that the plan document so provides. In this particular instance, the plan did not provide for the mid-year election change, and thus, the individual’s request was denied.

In summary, assuming a plan is written within the parameters of the law, it is the plan document that governs a particular circumstance.

The information contained in this article is provided as general guidance and may be affected by changes in law or regulation. This article is not intended to replace or substitute for accounting or other professional advice. Please consult a CBIZ professional. This information is provided as-is with no warranties of any kind. CBIZ shall not be liable for any damages whatsoever in connection with its use and assumes no obligation to inform the reader of any changes in laws or other factors that could affect the information contained herein.

The Plan Document is the Rule Book~/Portals/0/PackFlashItemImages/WebReady/Gavel and stethoscope.jpghttps://www.cbiz.com/Portals/0/liquidImages/WebReady/Gavel and stethoscope.jpgA recent IRS Information Letter discusses a situation relating to mid-year election change requested by a plan participant of a dependent care assistance plan, and whether the plan should allow such election change. ...2020-03-05T21:55:49-05:00

A recent IRS Information Letter discusses a situation relating to mid-year election change requested by a plan participant of a dependent care assistance plan, and whether the plan should allow such election change. 

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