2026 and 2025 HSA and FSA Contribution Limits
For 2026 you can contribute up to $4,400 to an HSA with self-only coverage or $8,750 with family coverage, plus a $1,000 catch-up at age 55+. The health FSA limit rises to $3,400, and the dependent-care FSA jumps to $7,500.
Below are the full 2026 and 2025 HSA, HDHP and FSA limits, the HDHP rules that make you HSA-eligible, and how HSAs and FSAs differ.
HSA contribution limits
You must be covered by a qualifying high-deductible health plan (HDHP) and have no other disqualifying coverage. The 55+ catch-up is an extra $1,000.
| Coverage | 2026 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Self-only | $4,400 | $4,300 |
| Family | $8,750 | $8,550 |
| Catch-up, age 55+ | $1,000 | $1,000 |
HDHP rules — what makes you HSA-eligible
To contribute to an HSA, your health plan must meet these minimum-deductible and maximum-out-of-pocket thresholds for the year.
| HDHP requirement | 2026 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum deductible — self-only | $1,700 | $1,650 |
| Minimum deductible — family | $3,400 | $3,300 |
| Out-of-pocket maximum — self-only | $8,500 | $8,300 |
| Out-of-pocket maximum — family | $17,000 | $16,600 |
FSA limits — health and dependent care
The dependent-care FSA limit jumped to $7,500 for 2026 (from $5,000) under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — its first increase in nearly 40 years.
| FSA | 2026 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Health FSA (salary reduction) | $3,400 | $3,300 |
| Health FSA carryover maximum | $680 | $660 |
| Dependent-care FSA (household) | $7,500 | $5,000 |
HSA vs FSA — which is which
Both let you pay medical costs with pre-tax dollars, but they work very differently. The HSA is the more powerful account — it is yours to keep, it can be invested, and it carries a rare triple tax advantage (deductible in, tax-free growth, tax-free out for medical costs).
| Feature | HSA | Health FSA |
|---|---|---|
| Requires an HDHP | Yes | No |
| Unused funds | Roll over forever | Mostly use-it-or-lose-it |
| Portable if you leave | Yes — it is yours | No — employer’s |
| Can invest the balance | Yes | No |
| Tax treatment | Triple tax-free | Pre-tax only |
What is the 2026 HSA contribution limit?
For 2026 you can contribute $4,400 with self-only HDHP coverage or $8,750 with family coverage. If you are 55 or older you can add a $1,000 catch-up on top.
What is the difference between an HSA and an FSA?
An HSA requires a high-deductible health plan, rolls over every year, is portable, and can be invested. A health FSA is employer-owned, mostly use-it-or-lose-it, and does not require an HDHP.
What deductible do I need for an HSA in 2026?
Your plan must have a deductible of at least $1,700 for self-only or $3,400 for family coverage in 2026, with out-of-pocket maximums no higher than $8,500 and $17,000 respectively.
Did the dependent-care FSA limit change for 2026?
Yes. The dependent-care FSA limit rose to $7,500 per household for 2026, up from $5,000 — the first increase in nearly 40 years, enacted under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Can I have both an HSA and an FSA?
Generally only a limited-purpose FSA (dental and vision) can be paired with an HSA. A general-purpose health FSA disqualifies you from contributing to an HSA.
What is the HSA catch-up contribution?
Once you turn 55, you can contribute an extra $1,000 a year to your HSA on top of the regular limit. If both spouses are 55+, each needs their own HSA to use both catch-ups.