WA Cares Fund, explained for families
Washington's long term care benefit is now paying for care. Here is who qualifies, what it covers, and how to use it toward a care home.
What it is
WA Cares is a state insurance program that Washington workers have paid into through their paychecks since July 2023. Since July 2026, people who qualify can use their benefit for long term care services. The full benefit is $36,500 over a lifetime in 2026 and grows each year with inflation.
Who qualifies
Your loved one needs to meet two tests.
1. They paid in long enough. A year counts when they worked at least 500 hours. Any one of these works:
- They contributed for at least 10 years (full benefit).
- They contributed in at least 3 of the 6 years before they apply (full benefit).
- They were born before January 1, 1968 and contributed for at least one year. They earn 10% of the full benefit for each year contributed.
2. They need help with daily life. They need help with at least three of these, expected to last 90 days or more: bathing, moving in bed, eating, medications, getting around, transferring, and using the toilet. Needing someone to watch, remind or set things up counts as help. A WA Cares team member assesses this in person or by phone.
Someone with an approved WA Cares exemption cannot use the benefit. Self employed people qualify only if they opted in and paid premiums.
What it can pay for in a care home
| Setting | Covered? | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Family Home | Yes | Can include room and board, personal care and specialty care. |
| Assisted living | Yes | Basic services such as meals, laundry, supervision and care. Ask what is not covered. |
| Memory care (in assisted living) | Yes | Round the clock care for dementia and memory loss. |
| Nursing home | Yes | For recovery from an illness or surgery. |
WA Cares also pays for care at home (personal care, meals, home changes and more), adult day services, respite for family caregivers and other supports.
The home must be a WA Cares provider, and it cannot charge more than the WA Cares rate for covered services. Ask every home you are considering whether it is a registered WA Cares provider.
How to apply
- Create a SecureAccess Washington account and add a WA Cares benefits account. You can also apply by phone at 844-CARE4WA or in person through your local Area Agency on Aging.
- WA Cares checks the work history and sends a letter saying whether the contribution test is met.
- Schedule the care needs conversation with a WA Cares team member.
- Get the approval letter, which shows the benefit amount.
- Choose a WA Cares provider and approve the preauthorization in the benefits account before services start.
Applying for someone else? You can help with each step, and a Wayvo guide can find homes that accept WA Cares while you wait for approval.
Questions families ask
When can people start using WA Cares?
Eligible people have been able to use WA Cares benefits for services since July 2026.
How much does WA Cares pay?
The full lifetime benefit is $36,500 in 2026, and it rises with inflation each year. People born before 1968 who qualify through the transition pathway earn 10% of the full benefit for each year they contributed.
Can WA Cares pay for an Adult Family Home?
Yes. Adult Family Homes are a covered setting, and for Adult Family Homes the benefit can include room and board as well as personal care. The home must be a WA Cares provider, so ask each home before you choose.
Can WA Cares pay for assisted living or memory care?
Yes. Assisted living facilities and memory care in assisted living are covered settings. Ask the facility which of its charges WA Cares will pay, since WA Cares only describes room and board coverage for Adult Family Homes.
Do I pay the home and get reimbursed?
No. Once you are approved, WA Cares pays the provider directly for covered services, and the provider may not charge you more than the WA Cares maximum rate for those services.
Can WA Cares be combined with Medicaid or private pay?
Many families will use WA Cares first and then pay privately or apply for Medicaid when the benefit runs out. Ask WA Cares and the Medicaid office how the two work together in your situation, and ask each home what it accepts.
Ready to look at homes?
Filter for homes that accept WA Cares, or tell a Wayvo guide what your loved one needs and we will check which homes take it.
Updated October 13, 2026. Wayvo is not part of WA Cares; check details with WA Cares before you decide. Sources: