Covered benefits You earn WA Cares benefits by contributing to the program during your working years. When you need care, you can use the benefits you’ve earned on any of the services and supports we cover. Benefits will become available July 1, 2026. Your benefit amount You earn WA Cares benefits by contributing to the program during your working years. To qualify for benefits, you must meet contribution and care needs requirements. There are multiple pathways to meet the contribution requirement. The transition pathway allows workers close to retirement at program launch to earn pro-rated benefits for each year they contribute. If you qualify using this pathway, your benefit amount will depend on how long you contributed. If you qualify through another pathway, you’ve earned the full benefit amount. The letter we send you when you’re approved to use benefits will include the amount you’ve earned. In 2026, the full benefit amount is $36,500. It will grow automatically with inflation each year. Your benefit amount is the lifetime total you can receive in benefits. Covered services and supports You can use your benefits for any covered services and supports from a WA Cares provider. Some services may not be available statewide. Services at home Icon In-home personal care Caregiver of your choice to help you with daily activities like eating and bathing, and support you with housework, shopping and appointments. Learn more. Icon Home-delivered meals Nutritionally balanced meals delivered to your home, including ready-made meals and hot meals.Learn more. Icon Housework and errands Help with household chores, general cleaning and errands such as grocery shopping, going to the pharmacy or going to the post office. Learn more. Icon Yardwork and snow removal Help with maintaining safe access to your home by mowing lawns, trimming branches, and clearing snow and ice. Learn more. Safety and accessibility Icon Adaptive equipment and technology Devices and services that assist you in your activities of daily living and increase or maintain your independence, safety and welfare. Learn more. Icon Home modifications Also known as environmental modifications. Changes to your home to support your health, safety and independence. Learn more. Icon Home safety evaluation Assessment of your rented or owned home to improve accessibility and reduce potential safety hazards. Learn more. Icon Personal emergency response systems Medical alert systems that signal a monitoring center to call for help in an emergency. Learn more. Services in your community Icon Adult day services Supervised care and activities during the day that promote social interaction, health and well-being. Learn more. Icon Transportation Help with transportation to and from the grocery store, medical appointments, social services and therapeutic recreational activities. Learn more. Health and wellness Icon Care transition coordination Support to help you recover at home after a stay in a hospital or care facility. Learn more. Icon Professional nursing services In-home nursing support for your medical needs. Learn more. Family support Icon Dementia and behavioral supports Guidance from a behavioral health professional to help you safely and successfully communicate your needs and manage daily tasks. Learn more. Icon Education and consultation Education, consultation and training for you and your paid or unpaid caregivers, regarding diagnoses, chronic health issues and care. Learn more. Icon Respite for family caregivers Care from someone else to give your paid or unpaid family caregiver a temporary break. Learn more. Care in a facility Icon Assisted living facility Basic services for a resident’s safety and well-being, which can include meals, laundry, supervision and varying levels of care. Learn more. Icon Adult family home Home-like setting where up to eight residents receive room and board, personal care and specialty care. Learn more. Icon Memory care services 24/7 long-term care for individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia or severe cognitive impairment in an assisted living facility. Learn more. Icon Nursing home Care for people who are recovering from an illness or surgery and need help while they recover. Learn more. Using benefits Once you’re approved to use benefits, you won’t need to pay out of pocket for services. You’ll find a WA Cares provider who offers the services you want, and we’ll pay them directly on your behalf. Since WA Cares provides a limited lifetime benefit amount, you will want to budget your benefits carefully. To make your benefit amount last longer, consider whether you can meet your care needs with less expensive services like in-home care and supports. Ready to use your benefits? LEARN MORE how far does the benefit go? With your WA Cares benefits, you’ll have up to $36,500 (grows over time with inflation) to spend on covered services. 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 2025) and do not guarantee the cost of any services, which may vary based on your area and other factors. Icon Enable a family member to become your paid caregiver If you have a family member who helps you out on a regular basis, they may qualify to become your paid caregiver. They can also get the training and support they need. Example services (prices are estimates only) Paying a family caregiver, including training (10 hours/week for 2 years) $31,200 Care supplies (2 years of incontinence products) $3,600 Total $34,800 Icon Make living at home safer and easier You can use your benefit to make your home safer, more accessible, and get meals delivered if cooking is no longer an option. Example services (prices are estimates only) Home safety renovation (build ramp to front door and widen 3 doorways) $8,000 Personal emergency response system (Installation and 3 years of service) $3,124 10 meals delivered weekly for 3 years 24,960 Total $36,084 Icon Get support and services after a major health change You can get services after an accident or injury if your recovery will last longer than 90-days. This could include an in-home caregiver, adaptive equipment, or other helpful services. Example services (prices are estimates only) Part-time home care aide (20 hours/week for 6 months) $23,400 Environmental modification - ramp $5,000 Safety equipment (bedside commode, toilet seat riser, and sliding bath bench) $500 Total $28,900
