FSAs Just About to Start for Some

Although the FSA program began effective July 1 in most agencies, several agencies will begin their programs September 1. These include Defense, Energy, NASA, NSA, the National Science Foundation, the Office of Management and Budget and the Executive Office of the President. For example, Defense has said it will begin deductions for the September 7-20 pay period, with employees seeing the deductions on their October 2 leave and earnings statements. Participating employees of those agencies will be able to claim reimbursement for eligible expenses incurred after September 1 even though their payroll deductions didn’t start until later. However, in order to participate, individuals must have signed up during the enrollment period that ended June 27. VA and the Government Printing Office won’t begin their programs until January 1, 2004.