Can I use my HSA for my 26 year old daughter?

Asked by: Prof. Verner Stoltenberg V  |  Last update: January 21, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (17 votes)

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires that major medical plans cover dependents to age 26; however, these dependents do not need to be tax dependents. To use your HSA funds for your dependent child's health expenses, the adult child must be claimed as a tax dependent on the HSA's owner tax return.

Can I use my HSA for my child over 26?

If you have an HSA, you can keep your health care dependents on your high-deductible health plan (HDHP) until they turn 26 years old. However, the IRS only allows you to use your own HSA funds to pay for qualified medical expenses for any dependents you claim on your tax return.

What is the adult child loophole for HSA?

Here it is: “If your adult, non-dependent child is only covered by your High Deductible Health Plan, they (or you) can also make a family contribution into THEIR HSA in addition to yours.” For 2024, that contribution limit is $8,300 (in 2025, it'll be $8,550).

Can I use my HSA for my adult child who is not on my insurance?

No, HSA distributions can only be used for you, your spouse, and dependents.

Can I use my HSA for my parents?

You can't contribute any more money to your HSA, unless you switch to another qualified HDHP. But you can use the money that's left in your HSA to cover qualified medical expenses for yourself, your daughter, and your parents (parents are only eligible if qualifying relative dependents, like we mentioned above).

Can I Use My HSA For My Spouse?

39 related questions found

Can I use HSA for gym membership?

Gym memberships. While some companies and private insurers may offer discounts on gym memberships, you generally can't use your FSA or HSA account to pay for gym or health club memberships. An exception to that rule would be if your doctor deems fitness medically necessary for your recovery or treatment.

At what age can you withdraw from an HSA?

At age 65, you can take penalty-free distributions from the HSA for any reason. However, in order to be both tax-free and penalty-free the distribution must be for a qualified medical expense. Withdrawals made for other purposes will be subject to ordinary income taxes.

Can I use my HSA for someone not on my health plan?

The basic rule: Family Only. You can make tax-free withdrawals from an HSA to cover qualified medical expenses for yourself, your spouse and anyone you claim as a dependent on your tax return. That's it. If you use your HSA to pay for a friend's medical bills you are going to run into a big IRS bill.

Can I use my HSA for my child's braces?

Both HSAs and FSAs are savings accounts that allow you to put aside money on a pre-tax basis to pay for qualified health care expenses, including orthodontic treatment. You can use these funds for yourself, your spouse, and your children (or any other eligible dependents).

What qualifies as family coverage for HSA?

Family coverage is any coverage other than self-only coverage (e.g., an HDHP covering one eligible individual and at least one other individual (whether or not the other individual is an eligible individual)).

Can I use HSA for non dependent child?

Ask your employees: Do you have a child who is covered on your qualified HDHP who is not a tax dependent? If yes, you cannot use your HSA to cover his or her out-of-pocket medical expenses. The child will need to open his or her own HSA to cover out-of-pocket medical expenses.

What is the age limit for an HSA?

When you turn 65 and begin Medicare coverage, you lose HSA eligibility on the first day of that month. For example, if your birthday is April 19, you are no longer eligible to contribute to an HSA as of April 1.

Can I pass my HSA to my kids?

You may also name your children or other non-spouse individuals as a beneficiary. For someone other than a spouse the tax benefits of account ownership do not transfer. The balance of the account will be distributed to your beneficiary and becomes taxable to them in the year you pass away.

Can I use my FSA for my 26 year old daughter?

Your Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA) plan has added Adult Children to the definition of eligible dependants effective this plan year. This means that you may submit eligible expenses for reimbursement under your FSA plan for services incurred by your children up to age 26.

Can I cash out my HSA when I leave my job?

Yes, you can cash out your HSA at any time. However, any funds withdrawn for costs other than qualified medical expenses will result in the IRS imposing a 20% tax penalty. If you leave your job, you don't have to cash out your HSA.

Can I use my HSA to pay for my girlfriend?

The only time you can use your HSA to pay for the healthcare costs of a friend is if you have named that person as a dependent on your most recent tax return (provided that they qualify under the non-relative qualifications — detailed below).

What happens if I accidentally use my HSA card for non-medical expenses?

You can repay the incorrect distribution before filing your federal taxes for that tax year. However, if you do not correct the mistake, the unqualified amount will be subject to income tax, and you may also face an additional 20% tax penalty.

Can I use my HSA to pay for Invisalign?

HSAs provide individuals with a tax-advantaged way to save money for medical expenses. Since Invisalign is considered a qualified medical expense, you can use your HSA funds to cover the cost.

Can I use HSA to pay insurance premiums?

By using untaxed dollars in an HSA to pay for deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and some other expenses, you may be able to lower your out-of-pocket health care costs. HSA funds generally may not be used to pay premiums.

Can I use my HSA for my adult child?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires that major medical plans cover dependents to age 26; however, these dependents do not need to be tax dependents. To use your HSA funds for your dependent child's health expenses, the adult child must be claimed as a tax dependent on the HSA's owner tax return.

What is the downside of an HSA?

Drawbacks of HSAs include tax penalties for nonmedical expenses before age 65, and contributions made to the HSA within six months of applying for Social Security benefits may be subject to penalties. HSAs have fewer limitations and more tax advantages than flexible spending accounts (FSAs).

What is the 12 month rule for HSA?

It means you must remain eligible for the HSA until December 31 of the following year. The only exceptions are death or disability. If you violate the testing period requirement, your ineligible contributions become taxable income.

Can I use my HSA for my child who is not on my insurance?

In the first scenario, you can contribute up to the annual maximum for family plans since your child is covered under your health plan. But since they're not a dependent, you can't use your HSA money for their qualified medical expenses.

What is the average HSA balance?

What Is the Average HSA Balance By Age? The average HSA balance for a family is about $7,500 and for individuals it is about $4,300. This average jumps up to $12,000 for families who invest in HSAs. Here's a breakdown of the average HSA balance by age.

Is HSA better than 401k?

Comparing HSAs and 401(k)s

The triple-tax-free aspect of an HSA makes it better for tax management than a 401(k). However, since HSA withdrawals can only be used for healthcare costs, the 401(k) is a more flexible retirement savings tool. The fact that an HSA has no RMD gives it more flexibility than a 401(k).