← All programsLong-term care insurance · state
WA Cares Fund
WA Cares Fund
WA Cares is a state-run public long-term care insurance program. Most Washington workers contribute automatically through payroll deductions (premiums began July 1, 2023). Self-employed workers can opt in. When a participant needs long-term care, they apply for benefits and a WA Cares team member assesses care needs in person or by phone. Benefits begin July 2026 and cover a wide range of in-home and residential LTC services up to a lifetime cap. Participants who currently have an approved WA Cares exemption cannot qualify for benefits.
Who qualifies
Two requirements:
1) Contribution requirement (one of three pathways):
, Permanent pathway: Contribute for at least 10 years → full $36,500 lifetime benefit.
, Temporary pathway: At time of application, contributed for at least 3 of the past 6 years → full $36,500 (must keep contributing to maintain).
, Transition pathway (born before Jan 1, 1968): Contributed at least 1 year → 10% of full benefit per year contributed (currently $3,650/year).
Each calendar year of at least 500 hours worked counts.
2) Care needs requirement: Need help with 3 or more activities of daily living (bathing, bed mobility, eating, medication management, mobility, transferring, toileting) and need help for at least 90 days. Supervision/cueing/set-up assistance counts.
Residency: Must currently live in WA to use benefits. Starting July 2026, participants can choose to continue if they move out of state; out-of-state benefits begin July 2030.
What it covers
Up to $36,500 lifetime benefit (grows with inflation; pro-rated under transition pathway at $3,650 per year contributed). Covers long-term care services including: paid family caregiver (including spouse) or home care aide; home-delivered meals; transportation to medical appointments; home modifications (e.g., grab bars); home safety evaluations to prevent falls; assistive devices/technology (e.g., lift chair, bath bench); in-home care; care respite services; residential care.
Cost
Benefit amounts effective for 2026 applications. Benefits begin July 2026. The $36,500 figure is described as growing over time with inflation. Out-of-state benefits begin July 2030.
How to apply
Create a WA Cares benefits account via SecureAccess Washington (SAW). When you need care, apply through your benefits account; a WA Cares team member will conduct a care needs assessment in person or by phone. Self-employed workers must opt in, report earnings, and pay premiums to qualify.
Where to get this in Washington
6 organizations deliver this program. Coverage varies, so check the area each one serves.
Free public agency that helps older adults and people with disabilities in central Washington find in-home care, caregiver support, nutrition, transportation, and benefits help.
Free public AAA for the Vancouver/Longview area covering five counties; one stop for caregiver assistance, dementia resources, in-home help, kinship care, Medicare counseling, and WA Cares Fund support.
Three-county AAA for Lewis, Mason, and Thurston counties offering caregiver support, in-home services, nutrition, and the Senior Farmers Market produce benefit.
AAA for Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and San Juan counties. Helps older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers navigate aging and disability services since 1971.
AAA covering the Olympic Peninsula and southwest Washington coast; offers information & assistance, caregiver support, nutrition, transportation, and Medicaid case management for seniors and adults with disabilities.
Snohomish County's AAA. Partners with Homage to deliver caregiver support, nutrition, kinship care, transportation, and Medicaid in-home services.
Source wacaresfund.wa.gov/