Average health FSA forfeiture falls to $404 in 2024

The average amount workers forfeited from health flexible spending accounts (FSAs) in 2024 drops to $404, down from $436 the previous year. About 40% of FSA participants left money unused, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute. The analysis covered more than 3.3 million accounts holding roughly $3.9 billion in contributions. Access to health FSAs varies, with 72% of state and local government employees and 47% of private‑sector workers eligible. One‑third of users face a strict use‑it‑or‑lose‑it rule, while the remainder can carry over up to $680 or receive a 2.5‑month grace period.