Human Resources

Purdue Commuter Benefit Overview

Coming in 2026

Purdue University is introducing a new Commuter Benefit as part of our pre-tax savings accounts. This new benefit will allow individuals who use mass transit or pay for parking at or near their place of employment to pay those fees with pre-tax funds.

Plan highlights

  • The Commuter Benefit allows you to set aside up to $325 per month for parking and $325 per month for mass transit.
  • Funds are taken by payroll deductions on a pre-tax basis.
  • Funds rollover year after year. No use-it or lose-it rules apply.
  • Funds can be accessed via an HSA Bank debit card or using the HSA Bank App.
  • The contribution amount can be changed throughout the year by logging in to BenefitFocus at one.purdue.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

 

Commuter benefits allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars that can be used for parking near work or mass transit costs to and from work.

You will be issued an HSA Bank debit card, if you do not already have an HSA/FSA/HRA debit card. If you already have an HSA Bank debit card, the commuter account will be added to your existing debit card.

Yes, but only if you have paid for your permit directly to Purdue University Parking. If you are currently using payroll deductions to pay for your permit, it is deducted from your payroll pre-tax and is not eligible for the commuter parking benefit.

You can use the debit card to pay directly for pay by phone metered parking, pay at the parking garage kiosk or submit claim for reimbursement. Remember it can only be used for parking near your employment for work purposes.

You must submit a reimbursement request via the member portable or submit a paper reimbursement form, along with all receipts, to ensure that the request is for an IRS-qualified parking expense. Parking expense reimbursement must be submitted within 180 days of receiving the service.

You can use the debit card to pay expenses for a bus, train, subway or vanpool (must seat at least six adults) if the transportation is in connection with travel between home and employer. You must use the debit card for mass transit. Mass transit cannot be submitted for reimbursement.

Yes. The commuter benefit funds will roll over year after year as long as you are employed at Purdue University/Purdue Global University. If your employment is terminated, any leftover funds will be forfeited.

Yes, you may elect to begin or change your contributions at any time of the year, but changes may take one to two pay periods to take effect. You can make changes by logging in to Benefitfocus via one.purdue.edu.

No. You can have any of the other pretax accounts offered with your benefits. Commuter benefits plans have separate IRS rules.

No. Commuter benefits are for employee funds only.

Access your account online to view current balance information, set up or update your profile, view online statements and manage your IRS-qualified commuter expenses. Go to myaccounts.hsabank.com to set up your online account.

 

More information
The resources below offer additional information regarding the Commuter Benefit.