In Washington state, people who receive Basic Food assistance (also known as SNAP) may participate in the Basic Food Employment and Training program. BFET offers a variety of opportunities for training, internships and help finding jobs statewide through local partnerships with community-based organizations, WorkSource offices, community and technical colleges and tribal entities. BFET providers may also offer support services to help make it possible to participate in the program.
You may qualify for BFET if you meet all the following criteria:
- Receiving federal Basic Food assistance.
- Aged 16 years 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.
Refugees 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 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 website for more information about other employment and training services provided by ORIA.
How Do I Enroll in BFET?
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 may also use Washington Connection to apply for any other programs available to you and your family.
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 CBO, 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 may 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 may 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.
Co-Enrollment With DSHS Employment Pipeline
You may also co-enroll with the Employment Pipeline program while in BFET. An Employment Pipeline navigator can help with your Basic Food assistance case, including performing eligibility checks. Employment Pipeline navigators can also provide hands-on support for your BFET activities, including connections to additional resources, removal of barriers and access to job trainings.
If you are interested in applying for Employment Pipeline services, please contact your case manager or connect with an Employment Pipeline navigator in your region today:
- Region One: R1EPNavigators@dshs.wa.gov.
- Region Two: R2EPNavigators@dshs.wa.gov.
- Region Three: R3EPNavigator@dshs.wa.gov.
Child Care While in BFET
If you are a parent in need of child care while participating in BFET, you may be eligible to receive child care assistance through Working Connections Child Care from the Department of Children, Youth and Families. When a family qualifies for child care 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 Child Care Subsidy Contact Center at 844-626-8687.