WA Cares Fund
wacaresfund.wa.gov
A long-term Care Fund for Everyone
7 in 10 Will Need Long-Term Care. Are You Prepared?
Most of us will need long-term care but don’t have a way to pay for it. WA Cares Fund is a new state program that makes long-term care insurance affordable for all Washingtonians for the first time. With WA Cares Fund, you can receive long-term care services and supports worth up to $36,500 (adjusted annually for inflation) over your lifetime. WA Cares Fund is a benefit you earn like Social Security that covers care in your home or a facility, as well as home modifications, meal delivery, car rides, and caregiver training. WA Cares Fund helps ensure that all of us can afford long-term care when we need it.
Benefits become available to qualified eligible individuals July 1st, 2026.
WA Cares Fund Contributions
WA Cares Fund is self-funded entirely by worker contributions. Unlike private long-term care insurance, which requires premiums even after you retire, you only contribute to WA Cares Fund while you work. Contributions stop the moment you stop working.
You earn lifetime access to benefits by contributing at least 10 years without a break of 5+ years. You can also access benefits if you contributed 3 of the past 6 years at the time you apply. People born before 1968 can earn lifetime access to 10% of the full benefit amount for each year they contribute.
WA Cares Preserves Your Savings
Use your WA Cares benefits – not your 401k or life savings – to cover your long-term care needs.
WA Cares Lets You Choose
With WA Cares, a loved one can become your paid caregiver or you can hire a home care aide. You may also pay for home improvements, meal delivery, and much more.
WA Cares Protects Your Family
When you need care, you will have access to a professional home care aide, so your spouse or adult child won’t have to quit their job to care for you.
Learn More
Visit wacaresfund.wa.gov to learn more about earning and claiming your benefits.
For Questions
Email: wacaresfund@dshs.wa.gov
Phone: 844-CARE4WA