Workers can now view WA Cares annual statements

OLYMPIA - Washington workers and recent retirees can now see their contributions to the WA Cares Fund, a program that expands access to long-term care benefits for all working Washingtonians. Annual statements showing their WA Cares Fund contribution history are now available by creating a benefits account.

Most workers have been contributing to WA Cares and earning their long-term care benefits since July 2023. Benefit applications open mid-May and benefits become available in July.

"This is an exciting step as the benefits launch of WA Cares nears," Employment Security Department Commissioner Cami Feek said. "Workers now have the opportunity to check their progress toward the program's contribution requirement, which they'll need to meet in order to qualify for benefits in the future."

Washington workers earn WA Cares benefits by automatically contributing 0.58% percent of each paycheck. Anyone who has contributed to the WA Cares Fund can create an online account and view their annual statement.

How to create an account

To find their annual statement, workers must create a WA Cares benefits account. They'll use the SecureAccess Washington system to confirm their identity, enter some basic information and create their WA Cares login. Anyone who needs help managing their WA Cares benefits account can set up an authorized user like a loved one or representative.

Get detailed instructions on setting up a benefits account.

What's in an annual statement

This year's statement will show workers their contributions to the program from July 1, 2023 to Dec. 31, 2025. Each year they have worked and contributed to WA Cares for 500 hours or more will count toward the contribution requirement for accessing benefits.

Annual statements are designed to help people who have contributed to WA Cares understand their progress toward earning benefits - separate from the benefit determination letter applicants will receive to confirm they've officially met their contribution requirement.

"As workers approach retirement, they should keep in mind the WA Cares benefits they've earned. Annual statements are a useful tool for anyone planning for their future long-term care needs," said WA Cares Fund Director Ben Veghte.

How to get benefits

To access WA Cares benefits, applicants must meet both a contribution requirement and a care needs requirement. There are multiple pathways to meet the contribution requirement. Even workers or recent retirees who have only contributed for part of a year since July 2023 may have earned benefits they can use if they need care.

Applicants will use their WA Cares benefits account to fill out a short application. Anyone with trouble applying online will be able to call 844-CARE4WA to get help or apply over the phone.

Next, WA Cares will check how many years they have contributed and let them know if they meet the contribution requirement. If they do, they will meet with a WA Cares team member to talk about help they need with daily activities like bathing, eating, managing medications and moving around the house. WA Cares will let them know whether they meet the care needs requirement and can start using their benefits.

Beneficiaries may be able to access up to $36,500 to use for any covered services and supports they want to receive.

To learn more, visit wacaresfund.wa.gov.