The Wa Cares Program stands as Washington State’s mandated long-term care insurance initiative. Overseen by the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) and the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), this program is designed to provide long-term care benefits to eligible Washington residents. Starting July 1, 2026, these benefits can be utilized for a range of long-term care services, potentially covering professional care, essential equipment, home safety assessments, and even compensation for family members who undertake caregiving responsibilities.
Employers across Washington State bear the responsibility of collecting mandatory payroll deductions from their employees. These deducted funds are then remitted to the state of Washington, contributing to the financial sustainability of the WA Cares Program.
It’s important to note that the WA Cares Program is distinct from a leave program. However, it can be used in conjunction with leave programs like Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML), and alongside other forms of insurance, such as long-term disability insurance.
For those seeking deeper insights, educational sessions and comprehensive FAQs are readily available.
For further details, individuals are encouraged to visit Contact the WA Cares Fund or reach out via phone at 844-CARE4WA (844-227-3492). The state also provides resources like newsletters, FAQs, and live webinars to enhance understanding of the WA Cares Program and address any queries.
To explore more, navigate to Learn More on the official WA Cares website.
Mandatory Payroll Deductions for the WA Cares Program Begin July 1, 2023
Funding for the WA Cares Program is secured through mandatory premiums contributed by all employees in Washington. State law has established the premium rate at 0.58% of gross wages, equivalent to $0.58 per $100 earned. To illustrate, an employee with an annual income of $50,000 would contribute $290 annually, or approximately $11.15 per paycheck. For a personalized estimate of your contribution, you can utilize the Estimate your contribution calculator.
Employee payroll deductions for the WA Cares Program commenced on July 1, 2023.
Eligibility for WA Cares Fund Benefits
Eligibility for WA Cares Fund benefits is contingent upon meeting certain contribution thresholds. The table below outlines the three pathways to qualify for benefits:
| Full Benefit, Early Access | Full Benefit, Lifetime Access | Partial Benefit, Lifetime Access |
|---|---|---|
| Program Feature | Designed for workers needing coverage and ongoing care during their working years or shortly after leaving the workforce, providing full benefits. | Ensures lifetime access to the full benefit amount for individuals who contribute to the program consistently over an extended period. |
| Qualification Criteria | Requires contribution for at least 3 out of the 6 years preceding the benefit application. | Requires contribution for 10 years at any point in life, without a gap of 5 or more consecutive years. |
| Benefit Amount | Full benefit amount ($36,500)* | Full benefit amount ($36,500)* |
| Benefit Access | Access is maintained as long as initial eligibility requirements are met at the time of application for care services. | Lifetime access to the benefit until the total benefit amount is fully utilized. |
*The benefit amount is subject to annual adjustments to account for inflation.
Exemptions from the WA Cares Program: Understanding Your Options
Certain Washington residents may be eligible for either a permanent or conditional exemption from the WA Cares Program. It’s crucial to understand that a permanent exemption from WA Cares Fund premiums also means permanent ineligibility for program benefits, with no option to rejoin in the future.
For the most up-to-date information and to initiate an exemption request, please refer to the official state website: WA Cares Exemptions. Below is a general overview of exemption categories:
- Military veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 70% or higher.
- Individuals who work in Washington but reside outside of the state.
- Workers holding non-immigrant visas.
- Spouses or state-registered domestic partners of active-duty members of the U.S. armed services.
Important Note: The provision allowing employees with private long-term care insurance policies in effect on or before November 1, 2021, to apply for an exemption was available from October 1, 2021, until December 31, 2022. This opt-out window is now closed, and exemptions based on private long-term care insurance are no longer being granted.
How to Apply for a WA Cares Program Exemption
Employees seeking an exemption must submit the application themselves through the WA Cares website. Upon approval, the Washington Employment Security Department (ESD) will issue an official approval letter. This letter must be provided to your employer to cease payroll deductions. For King County employees, the process is as follows:
Step 1: Begin your exemption application at WA Cares Exemptions
Step 2: Once you receive your exemption approval letter from the ESD, submit a copy along with your nine-digit PeopleSoft ID via email to [email protected] or by mail to: Central Payroll WA CARES, 401 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104. Crucially, only the final approval letter is accepted, not pending notifications or other correspondence from the ESD.
Step 3: Central Payroll will review submitted exemption letters and take steps to stop the mandatory payroll deductions. Please be aware that premiums deducted before King County receives your approved ESD exemption letter are non-refundable.
