OLYMPIA -- The SUN Bucks program returns for 2026 to provide summer food support for Washington children. More than 550,000 children got $120 in nutrition benefits last summer. Read more in the full news release.
2026 DSHS News Releases
Welcome to DSHS' media releases for 2026. You may sort by keyword, release number and date.
Applications open for WA Cares Fund long-term care benefits
May 18 2026
DSHS Office of Communications, Jessica Nelson, 360-764-6197
OLYMPIA, Wash., May 18, 2026 – Washingtonians who have contributed to the WA Cares Fund can begin applying for benefits if they need long-term care. Getting started now will give applicants the opportunity to complete the process so they can start services as soon as benefits become available July 1.
“We’re excited that this important program will help support Washingtonians who need long-term care,” says DSHS Secretary Angela Ramirez. “The flexible benefit means you can choose the ...read the full news release
Workers can now view WA Cares annual statements
Apr 02 2026
DSHS Office of Communications, Jessica Nelson, (360) 688-3718
OLYMPIA – Washington workers and recent retirees can now see their contributions to the WA Cares Fund, a program that expands access to long-term care benefits for all working Washingtonians. Annual statements showing their WA Cares Fund contribution history are now available by creating a benefits account.
Most workers have been contributing to WA Cares and earning their long-term care benefits since July 2023. Benefit applications ...read the full news release
WA Cares Fund pilot offers early access to long-term care benefits
Feb 05 2026
DSHS Office of Communications, Jessica Nelson, (360) 688-3718
WA Cares Fund pilot offers early access to long-term care benefits
OLYMPIA — Applications are now open for the WA Cares Fund pilot program. A small group of residents in Lewis, Mason, Thurston and Spokane counties can apply for early access to the long-term care benefits they have earned since they started paying into the program in 2023. Benefits will be available to eligible Washingtonians statewide starting in ...read the full news release