What happens to the money in my FSA if I leave my job mid-year?

A health FSA is generally forfeited when you leave, but the timing rules can work in your favor. Because of the FSA's uniform coverage rule, you can spend the full annual election before you've contributed it all; if you front-load claims early and then leave, you may come out ahead. Money left unspent when you separate is usually lost unless you elect COBRA continuation of the FSA, which rarely makes sense.

A dependent-care FSA works differently: you can only spend what you've actually contributed, so there's no accelerated-spending benefit. Before your last day, submit every eligible receipt you have. Unlike an HSA, FSA balances do not travel with you to a new employer.