April 28, 2025. On March 3, 2025, Governor Newsom released Executive Order N-22-25, regarding minimum in-person work days.
To support employees during this transition, the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) is holding a Special Open Enrollment (OE) period for the FlexElect Dependent Care Reimbursement Account (DCRA) Program. This Special OE will be held from May 1 – 30, 2025.
The DRCA allows employees to set aside money to pay for qualifying dependent care expenses, such as childcare, elder care and care for a disabled dependent. DCRA contributions are not taxable, which can lower taxable income.
Eligible state employees may enroll in the program or increase their current DCRA contribution amount. Employees currently enrolled in the program may not cancel their enrollment or reduce their current contribution during this Special OE period unless they have a qualifying permitting event.
Key dates and details:
- Special OE period: May 1 – 30, 2025
- Departmental personnel offices to submit Special OE forms to the State Controller’s Office on a flow basis: May 1 – June 10, 2025
- Deductions begin: June 2025 pay period (appears on the July 1, 2025, pay warrant)
- Contribution period: June – November 2025 pay periods (six months)
For information, including DCRA eligibility guidelines and Special OE information, please visit the CalHR Benefits website.
For FlexElect DCRA information, please refer to the 2025 FlexElect Handbook found on the Flex Accounts Bookshelf of CalHR’s Virtual Library.