Planning for long-term care can bring up a lot of questions. What kind of support will you or someone you love need? Can that care be provided at home? And how will you pay for it?
For eligible Washingtonians, the WA Cares Fund can now help with some of those costs. Benefits became available July 1, 2026, giving eligible individuals access to funds that can be used for a range of long-term care services and supports, including professional in-home care.
Understanding how WA Cares works and where home care fits in can help you make more informed decisions for yourself or someone you love.
WA Cares is Washington State’s public long-term care insurance program. Washington workers generally contribute 0.58% of their wages to the program during their working years and earn access to long-term care benefits based on their contribution history.
In 2026, the full WA Cares benefit is $36,500 over an individual’s lifetime. The benefit amount is adjusted over time for inflation, so it is important to remember that $36,500 is the current full benefit, not an annual allowance.
Unlike programs based on financial need, WA Cares is an earned benefit. Eligibility is based on your contributions to the program and your need for long-term care rather than an income or asset test. You can learn more about the program and current benefit amount through the WA Cares benefits guide.
To access WA Cares benefits, you must meet both the program’s contribution requirements and care needs requirements.
There are several ways to meet the contribution requirement. In general, workers can earn permanent access to the full benefit after contributing for at least 10 qualifying years. For people who need care sooner, a temporary pathway may provide access to the full benefit after at least three qualifying years of contributions within the required timeframe. Washingtonians born before 1968 may also qualify for partial benefits.
Because everyone’s work and contribution history is different, the state’s WA Cares qualification guide is the best place to review the current requirements.
You must also have a qualifying need for care. WA Cares evaluates whether you need assistance with at least three activities of daily living. These can include everyday needs such as bathing, eating, mobility, medication management, toileting, and getting in and out of bed.
For families, changes in these everyday activities may also be signs that it is time to consider additional in-home care. Fedelta’s approach to home care is designed to support daily routines, safety, independence, and quality of life as needs change.
Yes. WA Cares benefits can be used for qualifying professional in-home care services. In-home personal care is among the long-term care services covered by the program.
For someone who wants to remain at home but needs additional support, professional care can provide assistance with everyday routines while helping maintain independence and comfort in familiar surroundings.
Depending on your needs, in-home care may include support with:
WA Cares can also be used for other approved long-term care services and supports, including transportation, home-delivered meals, adaptive equipment, home safety modifications, adult day services, and residential care. You can review the state’s full list of services covered by WA Cares.
WA Cares does not set aside a separate portion of the benefit specifically for home care. Instead, eligible individuals can use their available balance toward approved long-term care services.
The full benefit is up to $36,500 in 2026, and eligible individuals can use their available balance toward approved services, subject to WA Cares program rules and provider rates.
How long those funds last will depend on your individual care needs, the amount of support you receive, and the services you choose.
This flexibility gives families the opportunity to think about where care can make the greatest difference. Someone may need a few hours of help with important routines throughout the week, while another person may benefit from more consistent personal care.
The right approach depends on the individual. Care needs can also change over time, so building a plan that can adapt is just as important as determining how to pay for it.
If you believe you or someone you love may qualify, you can begin the process through the state’s WA Cares benefits application.
The application process includes confirming that you have met the contribution requirements and completing an assessment of your care needs. The care needs assessment determines whether you meet the program’s requirement for assistance with at least three activities of daily living.
Once you are approved, you can determine which covered services make the most sense for your needs and find registered providers through the WA Cares Provider Network Directory. Providers must complete the state’s registration and contracting process to participate in the program.
Because eligibility, available benefits, and participating providers are determined by the state, visit the official WA Cares Fund website for the most current program information.
WA Cares can help make professional care more accessible for eligible Washingtonians, but understanding your benefits is only one part of deciding what support is right for you or someone you love.
At Fedelta, in-home care is flexible and built around the individual. Care can range from a few hours of companionship each week to more comprehensive support, with services designed to adapt as needs evolve.
Whether daily activities are becoming more difficult, a loved one needs additional support to remain safely at home, or your family simply is not sure where to begin, we are here to help you understand your options.
Contact Fedelta Home Care to start a conversation about the care that may be right for you or someone you love.
Fedelta proudly serves families throughout Washington and Oregon, with local offices in Seattle, Federal Way, Lynnwood, Bellevue, Tacoma, Olympia, Bellingham, Vancouver, as well as our Portland office located in Tigard. This regional presence allows us to respond quickly and provide trusted care across King, Snohomish, Pierce, Thurston, Clark, Whatcom, Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties.
No. The $36,500 full benefit available in 2026 is a lifetime benefit, not an annual benefit. The benefit amount will be adjusted over time for inflation.
Yes. Professional in-home personal care is one of the long-term care services eligible Washingtonians can use WA Cares benefits toward.
You must meet both the program’s contribution requirements and care needs requirements. Because eligibility can vary based on your work history and individual needs, review the current WA Cares qualification requirements or apply directly through the program.
The official WA Cares Fund website provides the most current information about benefits, eligibility, covered services, applications, and participating providers.
