Understanding the WA Cares Fund
Your Earned Benefit for Long-Term Care
PARTNERING WITH:
What is the WA Cares Fund?
The WA Cares Fund is a new program designed to provide Washington workers with affordable, long-term care coverage. Most of us will need some form of long-term care in our lifetime, yet few have a way to pay for it.
WA Cares Fund ensures that you have access to essential care services without draining your savings or relying on family members for support.
Note: Action Health Partners does not manage or administer the WA Cares Fund. We’re sharing this information to help community members understand their options.
HOW IT WORKS
WA Cares provides up to $36,500 (inflation-adjusted) for long-term care needs.
Think: in-home support, meal delivery, home modifications and caregiver assistance.
Affordable & Worker Funded:
WA Cares Fund is self-funded by worker contributions. Unlike private long-term care insurance, which requires ongoing payments even after retirement, WA Cares contributions stop when you stop working.
Contributions are only 0.58% of your wages.
Example: A worker earning $52,075 per year contributes just $302 annually.
No need to pay premiums once you leave the workforce.
HOW IT WORKS:
Earning Your Benefits:
You earn benefits by working at least 500 hours per year and contributing to the fund.
Benefits become available in July 2026 for those who have contributed 3 of the last 6 years when applying or have contributed for 10 years total (without a break of 5+ years)
Need Help?
Action Health Partners is here to help you navigate available resources. We do not provide or administer WA Cares Fund benefits, but we’re happy to answer questions or help you find the right place to go.
For more information about WA Cares Fund and how to qualify, visit wacaresfund.wa.gov or contact:
Email: wacaresfund@dshs.wa.gov
Phone: 844-CARE4WA