Washington WA Cares Fund (Long-Term Care)

Summary

Washington is the first U.S. state to establish a mandatory public long-term care insurance program, funded by a payroll tax on all W-2 employees in the state.

Rights & Rules

01.
Most Washington workers pay a 0.58% payroll tax out of every paycheck to fund the program.
02.
Beginning in 2026, eligible residents who need help with 'activities of daily living' (like bathing, eating, or taking medication) can access up to $36,500 in lifetime benefits.
03.
These funds can be used to pay for in-home care, nursing home care, home modifications (like building a wheelchair ramp), or even to pay a family member who is acting as a caregiver.
04.
To be fully vested, you must pay into the system for 10 years (without a break of 5 or more years), or 3 of the last 6 years before applying.

Penalties

01.
Employers are legally mandated to collect and remit the tax. Workers who were previously able to opt-out by buying private insurance can no longer opt-out, meaning participation is largely mandatory for new workers.

Verified Citations

Revised Code of Washington Chapter 50B.04

Source

"The employment security department shall assess for each individual in employment with an employer a premium based on the amount of the individual's wages... The maximum lifetime benefit for an eligible beneficiary is $36,500..."