Applying for Benefits

You (or someone helping you) will create an online account to apply. You can also get help setting up your account or apply over the phone.  

During the pilot, applications will be open from Jan. 6 – Feb. 28 (or until we reach the maximum number of applicants). Applications will open statewide in mid-May. 

Get access through SecureAccess Washington

Like most Washington state agencies, we use SecureAccess Washington to handle customer accounts. You’ll need a SecureAccess Washington account to apply and manage your benefits. To get started, visit the SecureAccess Washington website.  

If you already have an account, log in. If you don’t have a SecureAccess Washington account, you’ll need to create one. If you’d like to use SecureAccess Washington in Spanish, you can select it at the bottom of your screen.

After you’ve logged in to SecureAccess Washington, you’ll select “My Services” at the top of your screen. Select “Add Service,” then “Add Service By Name”. Search for “WA Cares Benefits Account” and select the “Add” button to the right.  

If you haven’t used your SecureAccess Washington account before, you’ll need to verify your identity. Fill in your name and address, then answer a few questions to confirm.  

Set up your WA Cares account and apply

Once you’ve added the service, select "WA Cares Benefits Account." You’ll be redirected to set up your WA Cares account. If you’re creating an account to help someone else with their benefits, make sure to enter your own information.

1. Set up your WA Cares Profile and fill out your information. You’ll enter your name, address and date of birth. You will be asked to provide your Social Security Number, Taxpayer Identification Number. If you do not have one, you can select "I do not have a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number".
2. Choose the language you want to use to communicate with us and how you’d like us to contact you. We can send you updates by email, text message or mail.
3. If you’re helping someone else, there is a pathway to help you access someone else’s account. You’ll need to provide legal documents (or get an invitation code from them if they already have an account).
4. Select Request a "Contribution Determination" and make sure the request is for the correct person. Answer a few questions to help us find your work history and contributions.
5. You can also select whether you have a legal representative who helps you with medical or financial issues. If you do, you’ll upload legal documents that show they represent you.
6. Review and submit your request. 

Get help or apply over the phone

If you have trouble applying online, call us for help at 844-CARE4WA (toll free). We can guide you through your online application or help you apply over the phone. Language assistance is available.  

You can also get in person support from your local Area Agency on Aging. They can also connect you with other resources in your community to support you and your caregivers. To find your local AAA, visit Community Living Connections and select "Connect to Local Services. " You can also call 855-567-0252 toll free. 

DISCUSS YOUR CARE NEEDS

The benefit application process will include a conversation with a representative, where we'll learn more about your situation and help you identify various types of long-term care support that could be helpful. 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.   

Do you need help with any of these?

You must need help with at least three of any of these activities of daily living listed below.