The department deposits deferred compensation into a special fund created in the treasury of the state of Washington called the "deferred compensation principal account." Amounts in the deferred compensation principal account may be invested according to RCW 41.50.770. All amounts payable to participants or their beneficiaries are paid from the deferred compensation principal account.

All costs of administering and staffing the plan, expenses of the department, and other amounts determined by the department and permitted by law, are paid out of the deferred compensation administrative account.