- Benefit programs
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With Labor Day in our minds, it’s the perfect time to highlight one of our newest programs that is available to help people when they may not be able to work anymore.
Many of you are fielding questions about the new WA Cares Fund and it’s important that we educate ourselves about the many amazing programs we offer to support all those we serve!
Employment Security Department’s Leave & Care team put together this list to help spread the wealth of knowledge of our agency.
Did You Know?
- 70% of Washingtonians will eventually need long-term care — help with activities of daily living like bathing, eating and taking medications. Long-term care can be expensive. Most of it is not covered by Medicare or health insurance, and Medicaid covers it only after you’ve spent your life savings down to $2,000.
- WA Cares Fund provides working Washingtonians a way to earn access to long-term care benefits that will be available when they need them. It will cover most of the need for some people, and for others it will provide breathing room during one of life’s most challenging stages, giving the family time to develop a plan.
- All working Washingtonians contribute a small percentage of their income to the fund (.58% of gross wages). Then when you need care, you can access your earned benefit of $36,500 (adjusted up to inflation) to pay for services.
- Beginning July 2026, each person who is eligible to receive the full WA Cares Fund benefit can access long-term care.
- If your loved one has a WA Cares benefit, you will be able to get support as you provide them with care. WA Cares will help families in whatever way works best for them, from becoming a paid caregiver to respite care or other services and supports.
- During the 2022 legislative session, Gov. Inslee and the Legislature created several exemption pathways for Washington workers who aren’t likely to use their WA Cares benefits in the future:
- Live outside of Washington.
- Are the spouse or registered domestic partner of an active-duty service member of the U.S. armed forces.
- Have a non-immigrant work visa.
- Are a veteran with a 70% service-connected disability rating or higher.
We hope you’re able to use some of these words of WA Cares Fund wisdom. You can learn more by visiting the WA Cares Fund website or reach out to your Leave & Care team.