Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) like Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging (LMTAAA) are trusted DSHS partners who bring local expertise that helps WA Cares adapt to the unique needs of communities across the state.
Community support: AAAs connect communities to WA Cares information while deepening understanding of long-term care and the many ways to pay for it. Not only can Area Agencies on Aging walk you through your WA Cares benefit, they also understand eligibility requirements for a variety of other programs.
LMTAAA’s trained information and assistance team works with you one-on-one to learn your situation and identify other programs that might be available to assist. AAA staff can also help you complete the WA Cares benefit application over the phone or by appointment at one of our three offices.
Provider services: AAAs help businesses serving Lewis, Mason, or Thurston counties offer their services to communities that need them through the WA Cares Provider Network. Contracts staff are trained to help providers navigate the WA Cares provider application process.
Workplace education: AAAs are available to provide a personal introduction to WA Cares in the workplace. On-site or virtual presentations are a low-stress way for employees to ask questions about long-term care services and supports and how WA Cares is different from Paid Family Medical Leave.
WA Cares is an earned benefit. Working Washingtonians contribute a small percentage of their income, about $24 a month for the typical worker, into the fund. Check a recent paystub for a line titled “WA Cares” to see if you are contributing.
Learn how the fund works, and explore what’s covered, by visiting: https://wacaresfund.wa.gov/.
WA Cares benefits become available July 1, 2026 to residents who meet contribution and care requirements.
WA Cares benefits become available July 1, 2026, to workers who meet contribution requirements and need long term care. Starting in 2026, you will be able to create an account through The WA Cares Fund and apply for benefits.
Select workers in Lewis, Mason and Thurston counties will have early access to WA Cares in January 2026. Click here to see if the pilot is for you.
In 2026, residents in search of WA Cares supports and resources in Lewis, Mason or Thurston County will begin by visiting Community Living Connections online.
The website will host the complete WA Cares provider directory. Visitors will be able to search by service category or type as well as county or region. New providers will be added regularly.
For no-charge help navigating your WA Cares benefit, contact LMTAAA’s WA Cares team at LMTWACares@dshs.wa.gov.
Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) like Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging (LMTAAA) can provide information on WA Cares and answer any questions you may have.
AAAs can also explain what long-term care is, help you explore the many choices you may have available, and assist with planning what’s right for you.
LMTAAA will offer WA Cares application assistance to workers in Lewis, Mason or Thurston County starting in May of 2026. Help will be available at no charge and offered over the phone, or by appointment at our offices, through our Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) team.
For information and application assistance, call 360-664-2168 and select option 2.
