Spending Accounts

Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA)

Sandia will reimburse benefits-eligible employees (excluding students and rehired retirees) up to $500 each year for various lifestyle services and programs. The money must be used by Dec. 31 in the same calendar year.* Enrollment is automatic for eligible employees. If you’re a represented employee, refer to your collective bargaining agreement to verify your benefit options.

Eligible expenses include a variety of items and services ranging from exercise equipment and personal training to roadside assistance programs, pet care, recreational memberships, and meditation classes.

See the complete list of reimbursable expenses.

Each January you will have access to $500 in your Lifestyle Spending Account. You’ll need to use this money—or lose it—by Dec. 31 every year (you will have until March 31 of the new plan year to file a claim from the previous year before unused funds are forfeited); your unused balance will not roll over to the new year. Employees hired into eligible positions on or after July 1 will have $250 available for that first year.

Your Lifestyle Spending Account is administered through Inspira Financial. You’ll be reimbursed for eligible expenses through payroll. This is considered a taxable benefit under IRS regulations. Review the instructions for how to submit a claim for reimbursement.

For more information about the Lifestyle Spending Account, please contact Inspira Financial.

*If you leave Sandia before Dec. 31, you must submit and get approval for any reimbursements at least two weeks before your final paycheck from Sandia.

Sandia Childcare Fund (SCF)

Sandia will reimburse benefits-eligible employees (excluding students and rehired retirees) with children under age 13 or a mentally and/or physically disabled adult child dependent up to $1,500 each year. This is to offset the cost of childcare during business hours. The money must be used by Dec. 31 in the same calendar year.* Enrollment is automatic for eligible employees. If you’re a represented employee, refer to your collective bargaining agreement to verify your benefit options.

Eligible expenses are day care, nursery care, before and after school care, back-up care and sick childcare, day camps, babysitting/nanny/au pair during work hours, and fees and deposits. Note: Services must be completed in order to receive reimbursement for expenses such as day camps.

See the Sandia Childcare Fund Expenses List.

Each January you will have access to $1,500 total (not per dependent) in your Sandia Childcare account. You’ll need to use this money—or lose it—by Dec. 31 every year (you will have until March 31 of the new plan year to file a claim from the previous year before unused funds are forfeited); your unused balance will not roll over to the new year. Employees hired into eligible positions on or after July 1 will have $750 total (not per dependent) available for that first year.

The Sandia Childcare Fund is administered through Inspira Financial. You’ll be reimbursed for eligible expenses through payroll. This is considered a taxable benefit under IRS regulations. Review the instructions for how to submit a claim for reimbursement.

For more information about the Sandia Childcare Fund, please contact Inspira Financial.

*If you leave Sandia before Dec. 31, you must submit and get approval for any reimbursements at least two weeks before your final paycheck from Sandia.

Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA)

With the HCFSA, you can set aside money from your paycheck to use for doctor visits, prescriptions, dental care, vision care, and other eligible healthcare expenses.

Your contributions go into your account pretax. This allows you to pay for these expenses with tax-free dollars and reduces your taxable income.

You can participate in the HCFSA if you enroll in the Total Health PPO Plan or you waive Sandia medical coverage.

See the Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA) page.

Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA)

With the DCFSA, you set aside tax-free money to help pay for qualified dependent care so you can work.

You can contribute $100 to $5,000 per year. (IRS limitations apply if both you and your spouse have a DCFSA.)

Use your account to pay for eligible dependent care expenses for your children under age 13 or for older children and family members who meet the qualifications for disability and need help caring for themselves.

Eligible expenses may include before-school and after-school programs, day care, day camps, nanny care, preschool tuition, and eldercare expenses.

Inspira Financial administers the DCFSA. You can submit your claims through the Inspira mobile app or online.

You can enroll in the DCFSA as a new hire or during each year’s open enrollment.

Transportation Spending Account (TSA) – California Employees

California employees can contribute to the TSA.

With the TSA, you can set aside tax-free money to pay for work-related commuting expenses. Eligible expenses include work-related vehicle transportation, transit passes, and parking.

You can contribute up to $325 pretax per month ($3,900 per year) in 2025. If you decide to contribute more, it’s on an after-tax basis.

Inspira Financial administers the TSA. You submit claims through the Inspira mobile app or online. Your account comes with a debit card, which you can use to pay your expenses.

You may enroll at any time by completing the Sandia transit parking enrollment form.

Contacts and Resources

Inspira Financial

Dedicated customer service number: 833-419-0287
Inspira Financial

Apps

• App Store
• Google Play