You might qualify for BFET if you meet all the following criteria:
- Receive federal Basic Food assistance
- Age 16 or older
- Able to work at a job or engage in work-related activities for at least 20 hours per week
- Not receiving benefits in the following programs:
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- State Family Assistance
- Tribal Temporary Aid for Needy Families
- Refugee Cash Assistance
- State Food Assistance
Refugee and immigrants
The Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance BFET program offers the same services statewide as the general BFET program, but with a focus on providing culturally and linguistically appropriate employment and training services to refugees and immigrants. Please visit the ORIA section of our website to learn more about eligibility and enrollment.
The Food Assistance Program Employment and Training program seeks to provide employment-readiness opportunities for people who receive food benefits through the state Food Assistance Program and who are not eligible for BFET. It helps people prepare for, obtain and maintain employment. You can find more information about eligibility and enrollment here.
Please visit this page on our website for more information about other employment and training services provided by ORIA.
BFET enrollment
If you do not yet receive Basic Food assistance, visit WashingtonConnection.org to apply.
To learn more about BFET, you can:
- Find and contact a BFET provider using our Find a Provider tool.
- Ask for a referral to BFET at a local DSHS Community Services Office.
- Call the Customer Service Contact Center at 877-501-2233 and ask for a referral to BFET.
You can also use Washington Connection to apply for any other programs available to you and your family.
BFET providers
You may enroll with more than one BFET provider at a time if you are taking part in different BFET activities with each provider.
Community-based organizations, WorkSource offices and Tribal entities
Community-based organizations, partnering WorkSource offices and Tribal entities contract with BFET across Washington state to provide case-managed employment and training activities for participants.
Some of those activities include:
- Guided job search
- Job training that enhances resumes and interview skills
- Life skills
- Vocational training that leads to a certificate in a specific field
- Basic skills such as computer training
- English-language learning help
- Internships
- Apprenticeships
- On-the-job training
To find a community-based organization, partnering WorkSource office or Tribal entity, please use our Find a Provider tool and, under Type, select “Community Based Organization.”
Community and technical colleges
BFET partners with all 34 community and technical colleges in Washington state through the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges. These colleges offer case-managed educational and training activities.
Some of those activities include:
- Adult Basic Education
- High school completion
- Vocational education that leads to a certification in a specific field
- English-language learning help
To find a college provider, use our Find a Provider tool and, under Type, select College.
Please note: As a student, you may be required to meet certain criteria to be eligible for Basic Food assistance. Enrollment in BFET might help meet Basic Food assistance student-status rules outlined in WAC 388-482-0005. If you have been denied Basic Food assistance due to student-status rules, you might work with a college to complete a “Reverse Referral” form to provide to DSHS. This form indicates to DSHS that you meet student-status rules and are eligible for Basic Food assistance. Upon acceptance into BFET, you may engage with a BFET case manager to provide support throughout your school term.
Childcare while participating in BFET
If you are a parent who needs childcare while participating in BFET, you may be eligible to receive childcare assistance through Working Connections Child Care from the Department of Children, Youth and Families. When a family qualifies for childcare subsidy benefits and chooses an eligible provider, the state pays some or all of the cost. Depending on income and household size, parents may be responsible for a copayment to their provider each month. For more information or to check WCCC program-eligibility rules, please visit this website. You can apply online at washingtonconnection.org or by calling the Childcare Subsidy Contact Center at 844-626-8687.