About WA Cares

WA Cares Fund is a first-in-the-nation public long-term care benefit. The program works like insurance to help people pay for care and equipment when they are debilitated by disease, injury, or the normal challenges that can come as we age.  Benefits are funded through a small payroll deduction and can be used even if you move out of state. 

More than 4 million working Washingtonians are currently building their benefit through a payroll deduction. Washingtonians only contribute while they are working, and they have lifetime access to the benefit that starts at $36,500 and is adjusted to grow with inflation.  If inflation rises an average of 2.5% per year, the benefit amount is projected to increase to $43,387.03 by 2033. Near retirees have lifetime access to a pro-rated benefit amount linked to how many years they contributed.

Applications are open for Washingtonians enrolled in WA Cares who need assistance with at least three activities of daily living, such as:

  • Mobility (getting in and out of bed, chairs, or up and down stairs)

  • Bathing (showering, getting dressed, moving in and out of the bathtub)

  • Toileting (moving to the toilet, using the toilet or getting up and down off the toilet)

  • Eating (making regular meals or feeding oneself) 

  • Managing medication

Note this is a condensed list. click here for the full list

If an assessment shows they are eligible, they can use their WA Cares benefits like insurance to help cover the costs of long-term care services and support including:

  • in-home care aides to help people with moving around the house, bathing, meals, medications, and more

  • home modifications such as wheelchair ramps, grab bars and bathroom retrofits so people can stay safe at home

  • equipment to help people move around, bath chairs, emergency communication devices

  • paying family caregivers who help their loved ones with personal care needs

  • in-home meal delivery for people who can no longer cook

  • transportation for people unable to run errands or get to medical appointments

  • care supplies like adult briefs and hygiene aides

  • residential facilities such as a skilled nursing home, assisted living facility or adult family home

To learn more about specific covered services and supports visit DSHS: wacaresfund.wa.gov/benefits 

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