ΣBenefitMath

State · OR & WASet by Oregon or Washington

WA Cares Long-Term Care Checker

See whether you've earned Washington's long-term care benefit, how much of it, and what you pay in. Benefits became available July 1, 2026.

Based on RCW 50B.04.050 and WA Cares Fund guidance. Tap any § label to see the rule.

About you
To figure what you pay in. There's no cap on wages.
Years you worked 500+ hours in Washington Premiums started July 2023. A year counts if you worked at least 500 hours and premiums came out of your pay.
Used only to project when you'd reach the 10-year mark

Example numbers are filled in. Replace them with yours.

Common questions

How do I qualify?
  1. 10 years: pay premiums for a total of 10 years, each with at least 500 hours of work. That earns the benefit for good.
  2. 3 of the last 6 years: pay premiums in at least 3 of the 6 years before you apply. This is the route most people can use now.
  3. Born before 1968: if neither route above applies, you earn one-tenth of the benefit for each year you paid.

You also need help with at least 3 of 7 daily activities (bathing, bed mobility, eating, managing medications, moving around, transferring, toileting) for 90 days or more. Needing supervision counts.

What does it pay for?

Services at home (personal care, home-delivered meals, housework and errands, home modifications, adaptive equipment, emergency response systems), adult day services and transportation, professional nursing, respite and dementia supports for family caregivers, and care in assisted living, adult family homes, memory care or nursing homes. Once you're approved, WA Cares pays the provider directly. WA Cares benefits

What if I move out of state?

WA Cares says you can move out of state and keep participating so you can use benefits when you need care.

How do I apply?

Online through SecureAccess Washington, by phone at 844-CARE4WA (844-227-3492), or in person through a local Area Agency on Aging.

Sources6 sources · checked October 12, 2026

Every figure on this page links to one of these. Tap any source label to see what it says. All checked October 12, 2026.

  • RCW 50B.04.050: Who qualifies for benefitsRevised Code of WashingtonYou qualify after paying premiums for a total of 10 years, or for 3 of the last 6 years before you apply. Each year needs at least 500 hours of work. People born before 1968 earn one-tenth of the maximum for each year paid; meeting the 3-of-6 rule still gets the maximum.
  • WA Cares fact sheetWA Cares FundWorkers pay 0.58% of each paycheck. Lifetime benefit of $36,500, which rises with inflation. You need help with at least 3 of 7 daily activities for 90 days or more. You can move out of state and keep participating.
  • WA Cares benefits now available statewide (July 1, 2026)WA Cares FundBenefits launched July 1, 2026: up to $36,500 in covered services and supports. Workers who contributed for part of a year since July 2023 may also have earned benefits.
  • Applying for benefitsWA Cares FundApply online through SecureAccess Washington, by phone at 844-CARE4WA, or in person at a local Area Agency on Aging.
  • Covered services and supportsWA Cares FundAt home, in the community, health and wellness, family support and facility care. WA Cares pays approved providers directly.
  • Premiums: Paid Leave and WA CaresWashington Paid LeaveWA Cares premiums are 0.58% of gross wages with no Social Security cap, paid by the employee.