Free WA Cares Fund application assistance is available now. No fees. No catch. Contact us or apply directly at wacaresfund.wa.gov.
Free Help with
WA Cares Fund
Applications
We are your local, state-contracted Lead Community Based Organization for the WA Cares Fund — Washington State’s long-term care program. We help you understand your benefits and complete your application at absolutely no cost to you.
We Serve These Counties
- San Juan County
- Island County
- Skagit County
Not sure if you’re in our service area? Call or email us and we’ll help connect you with the right Community Assistor.
(inflation-adjusted)
starting this year
our Community Assistors
San Juan, Island, Skagit
What Is the WA Cares Fund?
The WA Cares Fund is Washington State’s publicly funded long-term care insurance program. It was created to help working Washingtonians prepare for the cost of long-term care — care that most people will need at some point in their lives, but that traditional health insurance and Medicare typically do not cover.
If you work in Washington State, you contribute a small amount of your wages each paycheck. When you need care — whether that’s help at home, assisted living, or a nursing facility — the Fund provides a lifetime benefit to help cover those costs.
The program is designed to help you thrive in place — receiving care in your home and community for as long as possible, maintaining your independence and dignity.
Who pays in?
Most employees who work in Washington State contribute 0.58% of their wages to the WA Cares Fund. Contributions are automatic through payroll.
What can benefits cover?
In-home care, adult day services, assisted living, nursing facility care, memory care, home modifications, respite care, and more — depending on your assessed needs.
When can I use it?
Once you meet vesting requirements and need help with activities of daily living, you can apply for benefits. Benefits became available in 2026.
Who administers it?
The WA Cares Fund is administered by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) through the Aging & Long Term Support Administration.
What is a Community Assistor?
A Community Assistor is a trained, state-certified professional who provides free, one-on-one help navigating the WA Cares application and enrollment process. PNW Home for Life is a state-contracted Lead Community-Based Organization providing this service in our region.
Do You Qualify for WA Cares Benefits?
There are three different ways workers can meet the WA Cares Fund contribution requirement. The first two pathways offer any worker an opportunity to earn full benefits, and the third pathway offers near-retirees (people born before 1968) an opportunity to earn partial benefits. To actually receive benefits you must also be a Washington State resident who needs assistance with activities of daily living, and be assessed and approved by DSHS.
Permanent pathway (full benefit): Contribute for at least 10 years total, with at least 5 consecutive years. Benefit: $36,500, grows with inflation.
Temporary pathway (full benefit): At the time you apply, have contributed for at least 3 of the past 6 years, with at least 500 hours per year. Benefit: $36,500, grows with inflation.
Transition pathway (pro-rated benefit): Born before January 1, 1968 and contributed for at least one year. Benefit: 10% of the full benefit for each year contributed (currently ~$3,650 per year contributed).
Not Sure If You Qualify?
Our Community Assistors can review your situation and help you understand your eligibility — at no cost and with no obligation. No wrong questions. No pressure to apply.
How We Help You
Our trained Community Assistors walk you through every step — from checking your eligibility to submitting your completed application.
Reach Out
Contact us by phone (360) 217-9207, email wacares@pnwhomeforlife.com, or the form on this page. We’ll schedule a time to meet — in person or virtually — at your convenience.
Eligibility Review
We review your work history and situation to help you understand if you meet the WA Cares contribution requirements.
Application Support
We help you gather required documents, navigate the online portal, and complete and submit your application accurately.
Follow-Through
We stay with you through follow-up, answer questions as they come up, and help connect you to benefits when you’re approved.
What WA Cares Benefits Can Cover
WA Cares benefits are flexible and designed to support you in the setting that’s right for you — home, community, or facility.
In-Home Care
Personal care, homemaker services, and assistance with daily activities at home.
Home Modifications
Grab bars, ramps, widened doorways, and other accessibility improvements.
Adult Day Services
Structured programs providing care and activities in a community setting.
Assisted Living
Residential care facilities that provide personal care, meals, and daily support.
Memory Care
Specialized care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.
Nursing Facility Care
Skilled nursing care for individuals requiring a higher level of medical support.
Respite Care
Temporary relief for family caregivers to prevent burnout and support sustainability.
Assistive Devices
Wheelchairs, walkers, hearing aids, and other equipment to support independence.
Transportation
Help getting to medical appointments, community programs, and essential errands.
Covered services are determined based on your individual care assessment by DSHS. Not all services are guaranteed. Visit wacaresfund.wa.gov for the complete list.
Local WA Cares Hubs
These community partner locations can provide general WA Cares Fund information, printed brochures, and help connecting you with a Community Assistor. Hub partners are not Community Assistors and cannot assist with applications directly.
San Juan County
San Juan County Hub — Coming Soon
Location to be announced
Hours: TBD
Check back for updates or contact us for the nearest available location.
Island County
Island County Hub — Coming Soon
Location to be announced
Hours: TBD
Check back for updates or contact us for the nearest available location.
Skagit County
Skagit County Hub — Coming Soon
Location to be announced
Hours: TBD
Check back for updates or contact us for the nearest available location.
If your organization would like to be listed as a local WA Cares Hub — providing brochures and referrals to residents in San Juan, Island, or Skagit County — we’d love to connect. Email us at wacares@pnwhomeforlife.com.
Upcoming Tabling Events
Our Community Assistors will be present at these events — ready to answer questions, provide information, and help you get started with your WA Cares application in person.
Regular Appearances
Anacortes Farmers Market
Q St & 7th St, Anacortes, WA
Seasonal appearances — check back for specific dates or follow us for updates.
Anacortes Public Library
1220 10th St, Anacortes, WA 98221
Periodic drop-in sessions — dates posted below when scheduled.
Anacortes Senior Activity Center
1915 9th St, Anacortes, WA 98221
Periodic drop-in sessions — dates posted below when scheduled.
Specific Upcoming Dates
Events Being Scheduled
Check back soon for confirmed dates
Follow PNW Home for Life on social media or sign up to be notified when new events are added.
Want to be notified when new events are added? Send us your email and we’ll keep you in the loop. Events are also posted on our main website.
News & Community Education
Stay informed about WA Cares Fund program changes, upcoming education events, and community outreach activities in our service area.
PNW Home for Life Launches WA Cares Assistance Program
We are excited to announce that PNW Home for Life is now officially open to serve San Juan, Island, and Skagit County residents as a state-contracted Lead Community Based Organization for the WA Cares Fund. Free one-on-one application assistance is available starting now.
Get Started →WA Cares Fund Benefits Now Available in Washington State
Washington State’s long-term care insurance program is now accepting benefit applications. If you have been contributing to the WA Cares Fund and need long-term care services, you may be eligible to use your benefits. Contact us for free help applying.
Learn More at wacaresfund.wa.gov →Your WA Cares Questions Answered
Have more questions? Call (360) 217-9207 or email wacares@pnwhomeforlife.com.
Get Free WA Cares Assistance
Our Community Assistors are here to help residents of San Juan, Island, and Skagit Counties. Reach out by phone, email, or the form — whichever is easiest for you.
Our Service Area
We serve these three counties only. Outside this area? wacaresfund.wa.gov can help you find your local assistor.
Request WA Cares Assistance
Complete this form and a Community Assistor will contact you within 1–2 business days.
By submitting this form, you agree to be contacted by a PNW Home for Life Community Assistor regarding your WA Cares inquiry. We will never share your information with third parties or charge you any fee. Privacy Policy.
Program Integrity
Have a Concern About Our Services?
All complaints are acknowledged within 2 business days and fully resolved within 15 business days. Your feedback helps us serve our community better.
Ready to Apply for WA Cares Benefits?
You can apply directly on Washington State’s official WA Cares Fund website — or let us walk you through it for free. Either way, we’re here to help.