BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Workers and recent retirees in the state can now see their contributions to the WA Cares Fund.

The state Department of Social and Health Services say workers can view their annual statements starting on Thursday, April 2 by creating a benefits account.

Most workers in Washington have been paying 0.58% of their paychecks into the fund since July 223 to support long-term care for eligible seniors and residents with disabilities. Voters approved a measure last fall that allows money put into the fund to be invested in the stock market.

The state says the annual statements will help people better understand their progress towards earning benefits.

“This is an exciting step as the benefits launch of WA Cares nears,” Employment Security Department Commissioner Cami Feek said. “Workers now have the opportunity to check their progress toward the program’s contribution requirement, which they’ll need to meet in order to qualify for benefits in the future.”

Applications to access the benefits will open in mid-May and the benefits will become available in June.