Benefit Coverage
Beginning July 2026, each person who is eligible to receive the full WA Cares Fund benefit can access long-term care services and supports costing up to $36,500 (adjusted annually up to inflation).
You choose the care you need
WA Cares can help you pay for care in your home or in a residential care setting. It's your choice. Here are some of the common situations the benefit will cover:
the services washingtonians need
After becoming paralyzed, Sawyer needs help with tasks like showering.
Sally’s partner Patty has an in-home caregiver who helps Patty do daily activities and gives Sally a break.
Explore covered services
Many people with cognitive impairment, like problems with memory and decision making, struggle to complete activities of daily living alone. They may need supervision like someone monitoring what they’re doing or cueing them to start an activity. If a person needs supervision to complete an activity of daily living, it will count as one of the three activities of daily living they must need help with to access benefits.
how far does the benefit go?
With your WA Cares benefit, you’ll have up to $36,500 (adjusted annually up to inflation) to spend on covered services. (Learn more about benefit amounts, based on years of contributions.) But how much does that really cover? For about a third of people, this amount could cover all the care they need in a lifetime. For everyone else, it will provide immediate relief from long-term care costs without the need to spend down their savings, as well as time to plan for any future needs. For people with private long-term care insurance, WA Cares can help cover the benefit waiting period.
Please note: These scenarios are just examples (created in 2022) and do not guarantee the cost of any services, which may vary based on your area and other factors.
Enable a family member to become your paid caregiver
| Paying a family caregiver (10 hours/week for 2 years) | $31,300 |
| Care supplies (2 years of incontinence supplies)) | $2,200 |
Make your home accessible to stay independent longer
| Home safety renovation | $15,000 |
| Electric wheelchair or scooter | $2,600 |
| Weekly meal delivery (7 meals/week for 3 years) | $9,200 |
Get temporary support and services after an accident
| Part-time caregiver (20 hours/week for 1 year) | $31,300 |
| Transportation to appointments (for 1 year) | $3,200 |
| Crutches | $50 |