Actually I spent more than $16000 in daycare in 2021 but haven't requested any reimbursement of my 2021 $5000 FSA yet.
And I also pre-elected another $5000 FSA for 2022 which will roll up to $10000 FSA which I plan to use in 2022.
Are you sure I "would exceed the allowable amount" if I use all the $10000 to reimburse 2022 expense?
I talked with our HR department and the answer I got is I have $10000 to spend if I don't reimburse my 2021 expense.
