The State of Washington is pioneering a solution to address the growing need for long-term care with the Wa Cares Program. Officially known as the WA Cares Fund, this state-administered program is designed to provide Washington residents with access to long-term care services. Managed by the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) and the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), WA Cares aims to make long-term care more accessible and affordable for everyone in Washington state. Starting July 1, 2026, eligible individuals can begin to access benefits to help cover a range of long-term care needs.
What is the WA Cares Fund?
The WA Cares Program is essentially a mandatory long-term care insurance program. Unlike traditional health insurance, which focuses on medical care, long-term care insurance covers services and supports for individuals who need assistance with daily living due to illness, injury, or age-related conditions. These services can include professional in-home care, assistance in assisted living facilities, equipment purchases to aid mobility or safety, home modifications for accessibility, and even compensation for family members providing essential care.
It’s important to understand that the WA Cares Fund is not a leave program like Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML). However, it can be used in conjunction with leave programs or other insurance, such as long-term disability insurance, to provide a more comprehensive support system when you need long-term care.
How is WA Cares Funded? Mandatory Payroll Deductions
To ensure the sustainability of the WA Cares Program, a mandatory payroll deduction is required for all employees in Washington state. This deduction began on July 1, 2023. The premium is set at 0.58% of gross wages. To illustrate, for every $100 earned, $0.58 is contributed to the fund. For someone earning $50,000 annually, the yearly contribution would be $290, or approximately $11.15 per paycheck (depending on pay frequency).
To get a personalized estimate of your contribution, the WA Cares Fund website provides a helpful calculator: Estimate your contribution.
Who Qualifies for WA Cares Benefits?
Eligibility for WA Cares Program benefits is based on contribution history. There are three pathways to qualify, ensuring different levels of access depending on your work history and age:
| Qualification Path | Description | Benefit Amount | Access Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Benefit, Early Access | For those who need care while still working or shortly after leaving the workforce. Requires contributing for at least 3 of the last 6 years at the time of application. | Full benefit ($36,500)* | Access as needed |
| Full Benefit, Lifetime Access | For long-term contributors to the program. Requires contributing for 10 years at any point in your life, without a gap of 5 or more consecutive years. | Full benefit ($36,500)* | Lifetime access |
| Partial Benefit, Lifetime Access | Designed for those closer to retirement when WA Cares launched. Individuals born before January 1, 1968, need to have contributed for at least one year to qualify for a partial benefit. | Partial benefit (10% per year) | Lifetime access |
*Benefit amount is subject to annual adjustments for inflation, ensuring its value keeps pace with the rising costs of care.
Exemptions from the WA Cares Program
While participation in the WA Cares Program is mandatory for most Washington employees, certain individuals may be eligible for an exemption. It’s crucial to note that a permanent exemption means you are permanently ineligible for WA Cares benefits in the future. Here are the categories for exemption:
- Veterans with a significant service-connected disability: Specifically, veterans with a 70% or greater service-connected disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Out-of-state workers: Individuals who live and work outside of Washington state.
- Non-immigrant visa holders: Certain workers on temporary, non-immigrant visas.
- Spouses or registered domestic partners of active-duty U.S. military personnel: Due to their potential relocation out of Washington.
It’s important to note that the previous exemption for those with private long-term care insurance purchased before November 1, 2021, is no longer available.
How to Apply for an Exemption
If you believe you qualify for an exemption from the WA Cares Program, you must apply directly through the official state website: WA Cares Exemptions. The application process is as follows:
Step 1: Submit your exemption application online via the WA Cares website: WA Cares Exemptions Application
Step 2: Upon approval from the ESD, you will receive an official exemption approval letter. Submit a copy of this letter, along with your nine-digit PeopleSoft ID, to King County via email at [email protected] or by mail to: Central Payroll WA CARES, 401 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104. It is critical to submit the final approval letter, not a pending decision letter.
Step 3: King County Central Payroll will process your exemption and work to stop payroll deductions. Refunds are not provided for deductions taken prior to King County receiving your approved exemption letter.
Learn More About WA Cares
For comprehensive information and to stay updated on the WA Cares Program, numerous resources are available. Visit the official WA Cares website at WA Cares Fund Website to access FAQs, newsletters, and information about live webinars.
For direct assistance or to ask specific questions, you can contact the WA Cares Fund directly: Contact the WA Cares Fund or call 844-CARE4WA (844-227-3492).
Understanding the WA Cares Program is essential for all Washington residents. By planning ahead and utilizing available resources, you can navigate the complexities of long-term care and ensure you are prepared for the future.
