WA Cares Fund Tax Paused

January 27th, 2022 Update

On January 27th, Governor Inslee signed two bills passed by the Legislature making key improvements to the WA Cares Fund. These reforms will address coverage gaps and delay program implementation by 18 months.

The passed changes included the following:

• Workers near retirement (born before 1968) will be able to qualify for partial benefits on a pro-rated basis.
• Workers who live out of state and work in Washington, military spouses, workers on non-immigrant visas, and certain veterans with disabilities will be able to opt out of the program if they choose.
• Workers will begin contributing to the fund in July 2023. Employers will refund any premiums collected in 2022 so far.

For details on the changes, you can read House Bill 1732 and House Bill 1733.