Transit Benefit Questions
ConnectYourCare Benefit Questions
Do I have to report this on my tax returns?
What if I don't receive my transit pass by the #1st of the benefit month?
Why will my money be deducted two months before I can use my transit card?
How can I get more information?
The Transit Benefit Program lets you save on your eligible transit costs through automatic, pre-tax payroll deductions. You select your transit media with a quick online order or a
phone call to customer service. The program sets aside a portion of your paycheck before taxes are deducted, and ConnectYourCare uses it to pay your transit expenses.
The money that pays for your pass comes from your pay, and is taken out before federal income tax, FICA (Medicare), state income tax and other after-tax deductions.
Do I have to report this on my tax returns?
No. The IRS does not require any reporting for this type of program.
You can enroll at any time, visit ConnectYourCare at (www.connectyourcare.com/cityofchicago) for the details of your program.
Each month, your transit media will be delivered by the first of the month in which it is valid. If you use the Chicago Card Plus®, it will be reloaded automatically on the first of the benefit month.
What if I don't receive my transit pass by the 1st of the benefit month?
If you haven’t received your pass by the 1st of the benefit month, please contact ConnectYourCare customer service at 1-1-833-229-4428 within the first 3 days of the month. If your do not receive your new Chicago Card Plus, please contact CTA Customer Service at 1-888-YOUR-CTA to report the problem.
Why will my money be deducted two months before I can use my transit card?
Once you make your transit election, your order amount is transmitted back to the City of Chicago. They will then withhold that amount from your next paycheck. The City of Chicago then sends those funds to ConnectYourCare to be used to purchase and mail the various pass orders. The process takes approximately 2 months.
This program is sponsored by the City of Chicago and brought to you by ConnectYourCare.
Not to you. The City of Chicago covers all the administrative costs associated with running the program as part of the benefit package you receive.
How can I get more information?
For information about enrollment, participation, and eligible expenses, please visit ConnectYourCare at (www.connectyourcare.com/cityofchicago) or talk to a customer service representative at 1-833-229-4428 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time.