The Washington State Cares Fund is a mandatory long-term care insurance benefit established by Washington state law in 2019. Starting July 1, 2026, benefits can be used to purchase long-term care services which may include professional care, equipment, home safety evaluations, and/or compensation for family members who provide care.
Payroll Deduction
Starting July 1, 2023, a new payroll tax will be deducted from your paycheck to fund the WA Cares Fund which offers eligible Washingtonians support for long-term care up to a total of $36,500. This payroll tax is required for any employee working in Washington State and so applies to all regular faculty and staff, adjunct faculty, temporary staff, and student staff unless they previously received an exemption (see exemption information below). The premium has been set by state law at 0.58% of gross wages, or $0.58 per $100.