The WA Cares Fund is a benefit that Washingtonian workers earn, similar to Social Security or Medicare, by contributing during the years you are working. Later, in life if you have a sudden injury or need care when you are older, you can use this benefit to pay for services like in-home caregiving, making modifications in your home for safety, meal delivery, medical equipment, or transportation to medical appointments.
Contributing for at least ten years is the standard pathway to be eligible for using the WA Cares benefits, but there is a newer pathway for people who are near retirement who would not be able to contribute for the full 10 years. Anyone born before January 1, 1968, will now earn 10% of the full benefit amount for each year they contribute. Near-retirees will be able to use that percentage amount that was earned for any time in the future they may need care.
Providing this pathway for near-retirees ensures people who are retiring soon can still receive some assistance if they will not be working enough years for the standard pathway.
Learn more about the WA Cares Fund at wacaresfund.wa.gov or call us at (360) 676-6749.
About NWRC
NWRC has been helping older adults, people with complex medical conditions, and their families obtain resources and assistance that promote optimal health, well-being, and independence to improve quality of life in Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties since 1971. For more information, nwrcwa.org