WA Cares Fund Employer Update from the Employment Security Department (ESD)

WA Cares Fund Employer Update from the Employment Security Department (ESD)

On Jan. 27, Governor Inslee signed a bill that delays parts of WA Cares implementation by 18 months. Most immediately, premium collection for WA Cares won’t begin until July 2023. Employment Security Department (ESD) won’t accept any WA Cares premium payments for the first quarter of 2022.

In February, employers will receive updated information and guidance via our employer newsletter, postal mail to the address on file and on our website.

For now, employers should:

  • Stop withholding WA Cares premiums from employee earnings.
  • Reimburse employees for WA Cares premiums within 120 days of the date premiums were collected.
  • Continue to maintain copies of exemption approval letters for workers who’ve provided them.

Questions about exemptions?

ESD is continuing to monitor legislation that could affect exemptions and will communicate any changes as soon as we can.

 

Questions?

Contact:

Alyssa Odegaard – Vice President, Public Policy 
cell: 206-948-2279

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February 3, 2022