WA Cares basics for self-employed workers
Self-employed workers can enjoy the same benefits as fellow Washington workers.
The WA Cares Fund was established to help cover the growing need for long-term care in Washington state.
“The number of Washingtonians age 85 or older is expected to quadruple between now and 2050,” said Sebastian, WA Cares Outreach and Language Access Lead.
To support this aging population, WA Cares was built to be a public long-term care insurance program that would allow Washington workers to contribute at a low 0.58% premium rate during their working years. Then, they can collect their benefits when they need them later in life.
“We all will likely need long-term care at some point, but few can afford it on their own,” said Sebastian. “By covering all workers, we keep premiums low.”
Self-employed Washington workers were exempted from WA Cares. However, they have the option to opt-in and enjoy the same coverage as others.
Alisha, Employer Reporting Specialist for the Employment Security Department, explained how interested self-employed workers must opt-in by June 30, 2026, or within three years of becoming self-employed for the first time.
A self-employed worker must create an elective coverage account using SecureAccess Washington to opt-in to WA Cares. If they don’t have an account already, they will need a Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number to sign up. The option to create a WA Cares elective coverage account is listed under the same service option as Paid Family and Medical Leave.
“Once you’re logged in, you can opt-in to Paid Leave, WA Cares or both,” said Alisha. “You cannot elect coverage on behalf of another individual — only for yourself.”
Ryan, Employer Reporting Supervisor for the Employment Security Department, explained that self-employed workers who choose elective coverage are required to report and pay their 0.58% premiums quarterly after they opt-in.
“A self-employed worker’s reportable income includes their net earnings and gross wages,” Ryan explained. “There is no Social Security cap.”
He added there is no option to withdraw from elective coverage unless a self-employed individual informs ESD that they have retired or are no longer self-employed.
“ESD, however, may cancel coverage if you fail to make required payments or file reports,” Ryan said.
You can learn more about self-employed elective coverage or watch the replay of our webinar.