Can I use my HSA for my grandchildren?

Asked by: Garfield Wiza MD  |  Last update: January 24, 2026
Score: 4.6/5 (51 votes)

Yes, as long as you use the funds to pay for qualified medical expenses, you can pay for any family member who is a tax dependent on your tax return. You may also use the funds for medical expenses incurred by your child who is claimed as a tax dependent by their other parent.

Can I use my HSA for someone not on my insurance?

No. You can only use HSA funds for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents.

Can I use my HSA for my child who is not a dependent?

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

What triggers an HSA audit?

Does HSA spending trigger an audit? The IRS doesn't monitor how you spend your HSA funds throughout the year, but that doesn't mean they won't ask for proof that your expenses were eligible. And if your tax return contains unrelated IRS audit red flags, your risk for an HSA audit could increase.

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).

MESSA ABC Can I use my HSA to pay for my child's braces?

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Can I use my HSA for my grandchild?

The question people with HSAs often ask is whether or not they can use their account to pay for the expenses of family and friends as qualified HSA dependents. The answer is "yes" when it comes to specific family members, and a big "no" when it comes to friends.

Can I use my parents' HSA after I turn 26?

However, he can be covered on his parent's high deductible health plan (HDHP) until age 26, but their HSA funds cannot be used to pay his out-of-pocket medical expenses.

How does IRS know what you spend HSA on?

Verification of expenses is not required for HSAs. However, total withdrawals from your HSA are reported to the IRS on Form 1099-SA. You are responsible for reporting qualified and non-qualified withdrawals when completing your taxes.

What disqualifies you from having an HSA?

If you can receive benefits before that deductible is met, you aren't an eligible individual. Other employee health plans. An employee covered by an HDHP and a health FSA or an HRA that pays or reimburses qualified medical expenses can't generally make contributions to an HSA.

Does the IRS ask for receipts for HSA?

Always save your receipts and supporting documentation for your records. While Benefit Resource will not ask you to provide a receipt for an HSA expense, you are responsible for maintaining documentation of account use in the event that you are ever audited by the IRS.

What if I accidentally used my HSA card for groceries?

If you catch the transaction early enough, you might even be able to contact the retailer and ask them to reverse the charge and fill it on a new card. If you bought something in person, you can also return it to the store and then buy it again with a different card.

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.

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.

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 to pay for my adult child?

Adult Child Dependents and HSAs

The ACA requires major medical plans to cover dependents to the age of 26, but it doesn't require these dependents to be tax dependents. To use HSA funds for dependent expenses, the dependent must specifically be able to be claimed as a dependent on the HSA owner's tax return.

Is it illegal to use HSA money for anything?

You generally can't use HSA funds to pay premiums. Once you turn 65, you can use the money in your HSA for anything you want. If you don't use it for qualified medical expenses, it counts as income when you file your taxes.

Are vitamins HSA eligible?

In general, vitamins are not considered an HSA eligible expense unless they are prescribed by a doctor for a specific medical condition. For example, if your doctor prescribes prenatal vitamins during pregnancy or recommends vitamin D supplements to treat a deficiency, those could be eligible expenses under your HSA.

What proof do I need for HSA?

For FSAs, HSAs, and some HRAs, a detailed provider receipt or itemized cash register receipt is usually sufficient, if it contains all the required information listed above. For some HRAs, an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurance company is required.

Can you buy toilet paper with HSA?

Toiletries are not eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA) or a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA).

Can I borrow from my HSA and pay it back?

No.

Do I need to keep receipts for HSA purchases?

As for what HSA documents to keep, hold onto: HSA purchase receipts, HSA account statements, employer contributions, and documents that explain services or products you've paid for.

Can I use HSA for dental?

Your HSA also covers expenses for standard dental cleanings and dental check-ups. One thing to keep in mind is that some of these procedures may have a co-payment, so it's important that you check with your dental insurance provider to find out exactly what you'll have to pay out of pocket.

What happens to unused HSA funds?

Unlike many flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), unused HSA funds automatically carry over to the following year. Even if your employer provided the account and made contributions, the account belongs to you — so any remaining funds are carried over every year.

Can you use HSA to pay for other family members?

Can I use my HSA to pay for my spouse, domestic partner, or children's medical expenses? Yes, as long as you use the funds to pay for qualified medical expenses, you can pay for any family member who is a tax dependent on your tax return.