Help with Smart Benefits
Smart Benefits is a fee-free way for employers to save on payroll taxes while allowing employees to commute tax free in DC, Northern Virginia and Southern Maryland.
Employees can use Smart Benefits to pay for transit and parking tax free, anywhere Metro's Smart Trip card is accepted, including at Metro Rail parking lots.
Viewing balances
How can I view my remaining Smart Benefits balances?
You can view balances in several ways:
- At rail fare gates or Fare Vending Machines, which show combined transit benefits and Stored Value
- On buses, where fares are deducted immediately from the combined balance
- At parking gates, which show parking benefits minus the fee plus Stored Value
For a detailed breakdown of transit benefits, parking benefits, pass benefits, and Stored Value, sign in to your account online.
Card replacement
How do I replace a lost or damaged Smart Trip card with Smart Benefits?
Use the Report Lost or Damaged Card feature in your account to transfer your balance.
Additional steps may include:
- Updating third-party transit accounts with your new card number
- Requesting pass refunds through your employer
- Reconfiguring Auto Reload, if applicable
Eligibility and compatibility
Do Senior or Reduced Fare cards work with Smart Benefits?
Yes. Provide your Smart Trip card number to your employer.
Can I use one Smart Trip card for multiple employers?
No. Each employer requires a separate Smart Trip card, but you can register multiple cards under one account.
Benefit rules and limits
Why are transit and parking benefits separated?
Federal IRS rules require separate purses for transit benefits, parking benefits, and personal funds.
What happens if I do not use all monthly benefits?
This depends on your employer’s policy:
- Rollover: unused funds accumulate up to allowed limits
- Non-rollover: unused funds return to the employer
How much can I accumulate?
Maximum balances are:
- Transit benefits: up to $4,045
- Parking benefits: up to $4,045
- Personal Stored Value: up to $300
Usage restrictions
Can I use transit benefits for parking or transfer funds between benefit types?
No. Funds cannot be transferred or interchanged between benefit types.
If needed, you can add money to your personal Stored Value using:
- Your online account
- Fare Vending Machines
- Bus fareboxes
- Retail locations such as CVS, Walmart, and Giant
Refunds
Can I get a refund for unused Smart Benefits?
No. IRS regulations prohibit refunds to employees.
- Non-rollover funds return to the employer.
- Rollover funds remain available until used.
- Employers may initiate a taxable retrieval of rollover funds.
App and display information
What is included in the Transit Value on the Smart Trip app card summary screen?
Transit Value includes Smart Benefits for transit only. It does not include parking benefits or transit pass benefits. Those appear separately in the Active or Pending sections.
If I am not a Smart Benefits customer, will Transit Value still be displayed?
Yes. The field appears but shows $0.00.
Transit pass benefits and purchases
Can I use transit pass benefits to add a pass in Google Pay?
No. Transit pass benefits cannot be used to purchase a pass directly in Google Pay.
You can purchase a pass through the Smart Trip app or website, where transit pass benefits are applied automatically.
Requirements and notes:
- A credit card is required in the app, even if benefits cover the full cost.
- A credit card is not required on the website if benefits fully cover the purchase.
Managing Smart Benefits
Can I manage Smart Benefits allocations in the Smart Trip app?
No. You must use the Smart Trip website to manage allocations.
What should I do if my employer changes my benefit amount or type?
Nothing, as long as you regularly tap your card on transit systems.
If you use third-party providers without Smart Trip readers, update your allocation in your account by the 21st of the month at 11:59 pm ET.
Card setup, transfers, and conversions
How long does it take to deliver new Smart Benefits to a virtual Smart Trip card?
Delivery timing is the same as for a physical Smart Trip card.
Do I need to notify my employer when converting to Google Pay?
No. Benefits are automatically reassigned.
Do Smart Benefits transfer when converting from a plastic card to Google Pay?
Yes.
- Existing benefits transfer immediately.
- Pending benefits remain pending and require tapping to load:
- Up to 4 hours on rail
- Up to 2 days on bus
Missing benefits and balance issues
Why did my balance drop or benefits not appear?
Check your Smart Trip web account, not the app, for Other Pending Smart Benefits. If available, follow the instructions shown there.
If none appear, common causes include:
- Your employer removed or changed your status
- Benefits were retrieved by your employer
- You missed the 30-day tap window
- An enrollment timing issue
- Benefit status marked On Hold or Deactivate-Pending
In many cases, contact customer service to request a Smart Benefits refresh.
Allocation and provider issues
Why did my transit provider or vanpool not receive my funds?
Common causes include:
- Allocation was not saved correctly
- A replacement card was not updated with providers
- Employer enrollment issues
Verify allocations in your Smart Trip account and update them by the 21st of the month at 11:59 pm. Update any third-party transit accounts with your Smart Trip card number.