Social support programs help people build and keep the connections that carry them through hard periods: peer support groups, community clubs, grief and caregiver circles, and newcomer groups for people who just moved. Many employers fund it through an LSA because isolation affects people at every career stage, and the right group often costs little but takes a nudge to join.
Types of social support an LSA can help pay for
This category tends to cover membership and participation costs for group-based support and community programs. Examples include:
- Fees for peer-led caregiver or grief support circles
- Memberships in community centers with organized social programs
- Newcomer or relocation groups for people new to a city
- Registration for new parent support programs
- Paid memberships in apps built for making friends locally
- Workshops on social confidence and conversation skills
- Dues for hobby groups like book clubs or walking clubs
This category is one of many; our overview of LSA eligible expenses covers the rest.
What usually stays outside a social support category
- Counseling with a licensed clinician is usually a job for the EAP or health plan, even when it's delivered in a group setting.
- Many employers exclude dating app subscriptions, though a few allow them under a general social category.
- Dues or donations to religious and political organizations are commonly excluded.
- Food, drinks and entertainment at social outings are often not covered unless they're part of a program fee.
- Gym or sports club fees usually belong in a fitness category, even when the social side is the draw.
Who benefits from social support funding
Employees who relocate for a job often arrive with no local network and nobody to ask for a recommendation. New parents, people who recently lost a spouse, and those caring for a sick relative look for groups of people in the same situation. Remote employees who work alone all day sometimes want a standing weekly reason to leave the house. Veterans moving into civilian work may look for veterans' groups. Every one of these situations is different, which is why employee choice matters in this category. For related ideas, see our article on employee resource groups.
Building a social support category that people actually use
Give examples, not just a definition
Social support is an abstract idea. A list of example groups, clubs and programs helps employees picture what they can buy.
Send clinical needs to the right place
Mention your EAP in the category description so employees who need more than a peer group know where counseling lives.
Settle the small-fee questions early
Many support groups charge small amounts or ask for a suggested contribution. Decide whether suggested contributions count and what documentation is enough for a small fee.
Frequently asked questions
Can an LSA cover social support programs?
Peer support groups, community memberships and similar programs show up in many plans. Because the category can be defined narrowly or broadly, look for specific examples in your plan's eligible expense list.
Is a grief support group an eligible expense?
Peer-led grief groups that charge a fee are often allowed. Grief counseling with a licensed therapist usually goes through the EAP or health plan instead.
Can I use LSA funds for an app that helps me meet new friends?
Some plans allow paid memberships in apps designed for friendship or local groups. Others exclude social apps entirely, so the answer varies by employer.
Does a community center membership count?
It may, especially if the center runs social programs, classes or clubs. If you mainly use the gym there, the membership may fit a fitness category instead.
Tax treatment depends on the plan and location; our guide explains how LSA reimbursements are taxed.
This content is general information, not medical, legal, tax, or financial advice. Employer plan terms determine eligibility, and requirements may vary by location.
