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What To Know About Applying For WA Cares Benefits

Critically injured, seriously ill, or disabled? Starting July 1, 2026, you could receive help paying for a home care aide, wheelchair ramp, rehab facility, and much more. Learn how to apply for your WA Cares benefits, a new state program that covers insurance gaps in long-term care.

About WA Cares

More than 4 million Washingtonians are building their WA Cares long-term care benefits through a small payroll deduction.

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Benefits for you & your family

WA Cares pays for in-home caregivers, family caregivers, equipment, and home alterations.

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When You Need Help

WA Cares is available for people who need help with using the bathroom, bathing, eating, managing medication, or mobility for 90 days or more.

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How To Apply for WA Cares

Screenshot of a login page for SecureAccess Washington with fields for username and password, and a man in professional attire speaking into a microphone at the bottom right corner.

1: How to Apply

The first step to enrolling in WA Cares is setting up your SAW (Secure Access Washington) account. This video walks you through each step.

Step One
Screenshot of a webpage from the WA Cares Fund, with a man in a blue shirt holding a microphone and speaking in the foreground. The webpage includes text about accessing benefits and contribution requirements, with instructions to scroll up and click on the dashboard. The webpage header contains links to dashboard, documents, notifications, support messages, and settings.

2: How to determine if you’re covered by WA Cares

The second step is determining if you’re covered by WA Cares. This video walks you through each step.

Step Two
A man in a blue shirt holding a microphone speaking in front of a computer screen with a completion message from DocuSign. The message confirms signing in and provides an option to request a scheduling call.

3: How to submit your application for WA Cares

The third step is signing up for a phone appointment with a WA Cares assessment expert. This video walks you through each step.

Step Three