Washington just became the first state in the nation to offer a public long-term care benefit. If your parent worked in Washington and paid the 0.58% payroll tax, they may have up to $36,500 in lifetime benefits waiting for them. And most families have never heard of it.
What Is the WA Cares Fund?
The WA Cares Fund (formerly the Long-Term Care Trust Act) is a state-run insurance program. Washington workers have been paying into it since 2023 through a 0.58% payroll tax. Starting July 2026, eligible workers can access benefits when they need help with daily activities.
Think of it like a state-level long-term care insurance policy that your employer has been paying for. The difference: you don't need to buy a private policy. If you paid in, you're covered.
How Much Is the Benefit?
The benefit can be used for home care, assisted living, adult day care, and other long-term care services. At $55/hour for home care, $36,500 covers approximately 660 hours of care, or about 4 months of 40-hour-per-week care.
Who Qualifies?
To receive WA Cares benefits, the person must meet ALL of these criteria:
- Paid WA Cares premiums for 10 years without a break of 5+ consecutive years, OR for 3 of the last 6 years
- Be a Washington resident when benefits are needed
- Need help with at least 3 Activities of Daily Living (bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, transferring, continence)
Important: Did They Opt Out?
In 2021, Washington offered a one-time opt-out window for anyone who had qualifying private long-term care insurance. If your parent opted out before October 31, 2021, they are not eligible for WA Cares benefits, even if they paid the payroll tax afterward.
Not sure if they opted out? Call the WA Employment Security Department at 855-600-5286 or visit wacaresfund.wa.gov.
Special Rules for Older Workers
If the person was born before January 1, 1968, they may not be able to meet the full 10-year vesting requirement. Washington law allows prorated benefits based on the number of years they actually paid premiums. Each year of premiums earns a proportional share of the full benefit. This matters for anyone who was already in their late 50s or older when premiums started in 2023.
Timeline: What Happens When
Can WA Cares Be Combined with Other Funding?
Yes. WA Cares can stack with other funding sources. If your parent also has VA benefits, long-term care insurance, or qualifies for TSOA, those benefits can work together. For example:
- WA Cares + VA Aid & Attendance: VA covers monthly costs, WA Cares covers gaps or additional services
- WA Cares + LTCI: LTCI covers daily care, WA Cares supplements when LTCI daily max is exceeded
- WA Cares + TSOA: Both are state programs but serve different eligibility groups. If one doesn't qualify, the other might.
What to Do Right Now
- Check opt-out status. Call 855-600-5286 or visit wacaresfund.wa.gov.
- Verify premium payment history. Confirm years of WA Cares payroll tax contributions.
- Assess ADL needs. Document which daily activities need help (3+ ADLs required).
- Screen for all 33 funding sources. WA Cares might be one of several programs available to your family.
Think you can't afford home care?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the WA Cares Fund the same as Medicaid?
No. WA Cares is a separate state program funded by payroll taxes. It has no asset test, no estate recovery, and no income limit for eligibility. Medicaid has strict income and asset requirements. You can qualify for WA Cares even if you earn too much for Medicaid.
Can I choose my own care provider?
Yes. You hire any approved provider. A Place At Home is registering as an approved WA Cares provider. You choose who provides your care.
What if my parent only worked in Washington for a few years?
If they contributed for at least 3 of the last 6 years, they may qualify. For those born before 1968, prorated benefits are available even without meeting the full 10-year vesting period. Call 855-600-5286 to check their specific situation.
Is the $36,500 a one-time payment?
It's a lifetime benefit that you draw against over time. You use it to pay for approved services until the benefit is exhausted. The amount is indexed for inflation, so the actual 2026 amount may be higher than $36,500.
What happens when WA Cares runs out?
When the benefit is exhausted, you transition to other funding sources. This is why screening for all 33 sources matters. VA benefits, LTCI, life insurance conversions, and TSOA can provide ongoing funding after WA Cares is used. A Benefits Profile consultation maps your full funding picture.
Questions about WA Cares or other funding sources?
Call (425) 553-3775