WA Cares Fund Pilot Program Begins January 2026
December 19, 2025
The WA Cares Fund is Washington’s new long-term care insurance program that helps workers’ pay for care when they need assistance with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, or getting around the house. The program is designed to give people the support they need to live independently as they age or experience health challenges.
Before the program launches statewide in July 2026, WA Cares will begin a pilot program in January 2026 for residents of Lewis, Mason, Spokane, and Thurston counties. This pilot will test the application and benefit systems to make sure everything runs smoothly when benefits open to everyone.
About the Pilot Program
The pilot gives eligible residents early access to WA Cares benefits. Participants will receive services and then share feedback with the state to help improve the program before it expands statewide. This helps ensure that the process is simple, efficient, and supportive for future participants across Washington.
- Applications open: January 6, 2026
- Applications close: February 28, 2026 (or when full)
- Eligible counties: Lewis, Mason, Spokane, and Thurston
Benefits can help with: hiring caregivers, home safety modifications, assistive equipment, transportation, or meal services.
To qualify, applicants must meet WA Cares’ work contribution and care-needs requirements: https://wacaresfund.wa.gov/pilot
Get Involved and Learn More
If you live in one of the pilot counties, this is your opportunity to help shape the future of long-term care in Washington. By participating, you can help ensure the WA Cares Fund is effective, user-friendly, and ready to serve residents across the state.
An interest list is open now. If you would like to join the pilot interest list, need help with the application process or want to explore other long-term care options, Aging & Long Term Care of Eastern Washington is here to help as your local resource. Call 509-960-7281 to begin.
For local Spokane support and information, visit: https://www.altcew.org/the-wa-cares-fund
To learn more, visit: https://wacaresfund.wa.gov/pilot
There, you can:
- Read the Pilot FAQ Sheet
- Learn about how to apply
- Download a WA Cares Handout for more details
The pilot program is an important milestone for the WA Cares Fund and for our state. By getting involved, residents in these four counties will play a key role in building a program that helps Washingtonians live with dignity, independence, and peace of mind in the years ahead.
