WA Cares helps Washington workers earn long-term care benefits. Benefits will become available statewide in July 2026 to anyone who meets contribution and care needs requirements.
To make sure our processes are ready, we’ve started offering benefits to a small group of people through a pilot program in Lewis, Mason, Spokane and Thurston counties. We are accepting pilot applications from Jan. 6, 2026, through Feb. 28 (or until we reach the maximum number of participants).
If you participate, you’ll have the opportunity to give us feedback on your experience along the way. We’ll use your input to improve our processes as we start to offer benefits to all Washingtonians.
Registered providers who offer services in pilot counties or statewide can participate in the pilot. Learn more about provider registration.