Benefit programs in Washington (2026)
For families in Washington we check every federal program below, then map your state's own programs and point you to the office that runs each one.
We don't put a dollar figure on most of Washington's own programs yet. Those amounts depend on rules we haven't finished checking against official sources. What you get instead is the program, its official source, and who to call. Federal amounts are computed for every state, including yours.
Washington families can get Medicaid help with care at home through 8 Medicaid home and community-based services waivers that pay for care in your own home instead of a nursing facility. Washington also has a confirmed property-tax relief program for seniors, the Property Tax Exemption Program for Senior Citizens and People with Disabilities (RCW 84.36.379-389). Its confirmed benefit is quoted in the program's own official wording further down this page. Washington also runs a federally funded LIHEAP energy-assistance program that helps pay heating bills for qualifying households. Figures checked against official sources, last on 2026-08-05.
Does Washington Medicaid pay for care at home?
Yes. Washington runs 8 Medicaid home & community-based services waivers, including "WA Basic Plus Waiver (0409.R04.00)" and "WA Children's Intensive In-Home Behavioral Support Waiver (40669.R03.00)". These pay for care in your own home instead of a nursing facility. We have no confirmed dollar figure for what they pay. Amounts depend on an assessment, and most waivers have waiting lists. Ask Washington Medicaid, or call 855-567-0252.
- WA Basic Plus Waiver (0409.R04.00)
- WA Children's Intensive In-Home Behavioral Support Waiver (40669.R03.00)
- WA Community Protection Waiver (0411.R04.00)
- WA COPES Waiver (0049.R09.00)
- WA Core Waiver (0410.R04.00)
- WA Individual and Family Services Waiver (1186.R01.00)
- WA New Freedom Waiver (0443.R04.00)
- WA Residential Support Waiver (1086.R02.00)
See how Washington's Medicaid rules compare with other states
What property tax relief is available to seniors in Washington?
Washington has a confirmed property-tax relief program for seniors: the Property Tax Exemption Program for Senior Citizens and People with Disabilities (RCW 84.36.379-389). Two-part benefit. (1) FREEZES the taxable (assessed) value of the residence at its value the first year you qualify, so future levies are computed on the frozen value. (2) EXEMPTS the home from all excess (voter-approved) levies AND from Part 2 of the state school levy, for every qualifying income tier. In addition, an income-tiered exemption from REGULAR levies: Level 1 (lowest income) - exempt regular levies on the greater of $60,000 or 60% of assessed taxable value; Level 2 (middle) - exempt regular levies on the greater of $50,000 or 35% of assessed taxable value, but not more than $70,000; Level 3 (highest qualifying income) - excess-levy + Part 2 state-school-levy exemption and the value freeze only, no regular-levy reduction. Limited to the primary residence (may include one ADU) and one acre. County assessor administered; renewable; up to 3 prior years' refunds available. That figure is confirmed against Washington's own official page (last checked 2026-08-05). Washington runs 4 property-tax relief programs that seniors may qualify for in total. See the full list below, or call your state's Aging and Disability Resource Center at 855-567-0252 and ask which apply to you.
4 programs in Washington. Each description below is drawn from its linked source and shown in full: the tag next to each name marks its source tier (GOV/GOV PDF: the program's own official page, ANALYSIS/IND: a secondary source).
Property-tax figures last checked against official sources on 2026-08-05. See how we verify figures.
| Program | Benefit | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Property Tax Exemption Program for Senior Citizens and People with Disabilities (RCW 84.36.379-389) GOV PDF VERIFIED | Two-part benefit. (1) FREEZES the taxable (assessed) value of the residence at its value the first year you qualify, so future levies are computed on the frozen value. (2) EXEMPTS the home from all excess (voter-approved) levies AND from Part 2 of the state school levy, for every qualifying income tier. In addition, an income-tiered exemption from REGULAR levies: Level 1 (lowest income) - exempt regular levies on the greater of $60,000 or 60% of assessed taxable value; Level 2 (middle) - exempt regular levies on the greater of $50,000 or 35% of assessed taxable value, but not more than $70,000; Level 3 (highest qualifying income) - excess-levy + Part 2 state-school-levy exemption and the value freeze only, no regular-levy reduction. Limited to the primary residence (may include one ADU) and one acre. County assessor administered; renewable; up to 3 prior years' refunds available. | Official source → |
| Property Tax Deferral for Senior Citizens and People with Disabilities (RCW 84.38) GOV PDF | The state (DOR) pays your property taxes and/or special assessments on your behalf; you postpone (defer) payment. You may defer taxes/special assessments up to 80% of your equity in land plus residence if you carry a fire-and-casualty insurance policy naming DOR as loss payee (without such a policy, only land value counts toward equity). Deferred amounts accrue 5% simple annual interest (for taxes deferred on/after 1/1/2007) and must be repaid on a triggering event (transfer of ownership, no longer permanently residing there, condemnation, lapse of insurance, or death unless a qualifying survivor continues). Limited to residence (may include one ADU) and one acre. | Official source → |
| Property Tax Deferral for Homeowners with Limited Income (RCW 84.37) GOV PDF | Allows you to defer payment of the SECOND-HALF property tax installment (due in October); the first-half installment (due April 30) is still owed. Total amount deferred under this program is capped at 40% of the homeowner's equity in the residence. Deferred amounts accrue simple interest at the federal short-term rate plus 2%. Repaid when the home is sold, the owner dies, or it ceases to be the primary residence. Applications due September 1; administered via the county assessor / DOR Property Tax Division (360-534-1400). | Official source → |
| Property Tax Assistance Program for Widows or Widowers of Veterans (RCW 84.39) GOV PDF VERIFIED | A grant (check mailed by DOR) that supplements the Senior/Disabled Exemption program. The grant equals the regular and excess property taxes due on the difference between the taxable value already exempted under the exemption program and the first: $200,000 of value if combined disposable income is at or below income threshold 1; $150,000 if at/below threshold 2 (above threshold 1); or $100,000 if at/below threshold 3 (above threshold 2). Limited to residence (may include one ADU) and one acre. Grant need not be repaid if the recipient lives in the residence through at least Dec 15 of the grant year. State-administered by DOR; applications due March 31 (360-534-1400). | Official source → |
Property Tax Exemption Program for Senior Citizens and People with Disabilities (RCW 84.36.379-389) GOV PDF VERIFIED
- Benefit
Two-part benefit. (1) FREEZES the taxable (assessed) value of the residence at its value the first year you qualify, so future levies are computed on the frozen value. (2) EXEMPTS the home from all excess (voter-approved) levies AND from Part 2 of the state school levy, for every qualifying income tier. In addition, an income-tiered exemption from REGULAR levies: Level 1 (lowest income) - exempt regular levies on the greater of $60,000 or 60% of assessed taxable value; Level 2 (middle) - exempt regular levies on the greater of $50,000 or 35% of assessed taxable value, but not more than $70,000; Level 3 (highest qualifying income) - excess-levy + Part 2 state-school-levy exemption and the value freeze only, no regular-levy reduction. Limited to the primary residence (may include one ADU) and one acre. County assessor administered; renewable; up to 3 prior years' refunds available.
- Official source
- Official source →
Property Tax Deferral for Senior Citizens and People with Disabilities (RCW 84.38) GOV PDF
- Benefit
The state (DOR) pays your property taxes and/or special assessments on your behalf; you postpone (defer) payment. You may defer taxes/special assessments up to 80% of your equity in land plus residence if you carry a fire-and-casualty insurance policy naming DOR as loss payee (without such a policy, only land value counts toward equity). Deferred amounts accrue 5% simple annual interest (for taxes deferred on/after 1/1/2007) and must be repaid on a triggering event (transfer of ownership, no longer permanently residing there, condemnation, lapse of insurance, or death unless a qualifying survivor continues). Limited to residence (may include one ADU) and one acre.
- Official source
- Official source →
Property Tax Deferral for Homeowners with Limited Income (RCW 84.37) GOV PDF
- Benefit
Allows you to defer payment of the SECOND-HALF property tax installment (due in October); the first-half installment (due April 30) is still owed. Total amount deferred under this program is capped at 40% of the homeowner's equity in the residence. Deferred amounts accrue simple interest at the federal short-term rate plus 2%. Repaid when the home is sold, the owner dies, or it ceases to be the primary residence. Applications due September 1; administered via the county assessor / DOR Property Tax Division (360-534-1400).
- Official source
- Official source →
Property Tax Assistance Program for Widows or Widowers of Veterans (RCW 84.39) GOV PDF VERIFIED
- Benefit
A grant (check mailed by DOR) that supplements the Senior/Disabled Exemption program. The grant equals the regular and excess property taxes due on the difference between the taxable value already exempted under the exemption program and the first: $200,000 of value if combined disposable income is at or below income threshold 1; $150,000 if at/below threshold 2 (above threshold 1); or $100,000 if at/below threshold 3 (above threshold 2). Limited to residence (may include one ADU) and one acre. Grant need not be repaid if the recipient lives in the residence through at least Dec 15 of the grant year. State-administered by DOR; applications due March 31 (360-534-1400).
- Official source
- Official source →
How much heating bill help can I get in Washington?
Up to $1,250 toward heating bills. That is the FY 2026 maximum Washington's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) publishes. Most households get less. This is the ceiling, not a typical amount. A separate crisis benefit of up to $13,000 is available if your service is about to be shut off. Source: https://liheapch.acf.gov/profiles/WA.htm
| Program | Benefit | Published maximum | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) | Help with heating bills, plus emergency help if service is at risk. Emergency crisis help is available. | In Washington the published heating maximum is $1,250. Crisis maximum: $13,000. | Official source → |
Retirement income tax
Social Security in Washington: Washington has no individual income tax, so Social Security benefits are not subject to any state income tax. Washington DOR states plainly: 'Washington state does not have an individual or corporate income tax.' (Note: Social Security IS counted as income when determining eligibility for the property tax relief programs above, but it is never itself taxed.)
Pensions, IRAs, and 401(k)s: Not taxed at the state level. Because Washington levies no personal income tax, pensions, IRA distributions, 401(k)/403(b) withdrawals, annuities, and other retirement income are entirely free of state income tax; there is no age- or income-based exclusion because there is no income tax to exclude from. Washington funds government through sales/use tax, B&O tax, property tax, and public utility tax instead. Context: Washington does impose a 7% excise tax on long-term capital gains above an annually indexed exemption (roughly $270,000 for gains recognized in 2024), but gains from retirement accounts (IRAs/401(k)s) and real estate are statutorily exempt, so it generally does not reach retirement income. The refundable Working Families Tax Credit exists but requires earned income and is a sales-tax rebate, not a tax on or exemption of retirement income.
Official source →Federal programs: checked in Washington too
These are computed for every family, wherever they live.
VA Aid & Attendance
An extra monthly VA payment for wartime veterans and surviving spouses who need daily help.
Medicare Savings Programs
State help that pays your Medicare premiums, and sometimes deductibles and copays.
Medicare Extra Help
Lowers what you pay for prescription drugs under Medicare Part D.
SNAP (food support)
Monthly money for groceries. Older adults often qualify for more than they expect.
Social Security & SSI
Checks whether the person may be missing Social Security or Supplemental Security Income.
Federal tax credits
Credits and deductions families miss, including medical expenses and the credit for the elderly or disabled.
Medicare before 65
Medicare eligibility for people under 65 through a disability.
Who do I call in Washington for help with elder care?
Call your state's Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) at 855-567-0252. They're the free, no-wrong-door starting point for home care, respite and other long-term-care options in Washington. If someone is unsafe, neglected or being exploited, Adult Protective Services can help at 877-734-6277.
Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) / No Wrong Door
Free help understanding your options.
855-567-0252Which of these fits your family?
Being on this list doesn't mean your family qualifies. That depends on income, savings, care needs and service history. The free check works out which ones are worth your time, in about four minutes.
Not legal or medical advice. Benefits vary. Figures are estimates.