If you receive federal Basic Food benefits, the BFET program may help you gain in-demand skills, earn a credential, and find employment at a living wage.

- Funding for tuition, class fees, required textbooks, and school-related transportation costs
- Educational advising, including an education plan designed to help you efficiently complete your program of study
- Advising to address barriers to academic or personal success
- Help navigating college processes and services
- Referrals to college and community resources
- Verification of school schedule for students receiving the Working Connections Child Care subsidy
You may qualify for the BFET program if:
- You are interested in an approved degree or certificate program.
- You are committed to finding employment after the completion of your training program. BFET students must have an employment goal.
- You have lived in Washington state for the past 12 months and/or qualify for resident tuition rates. (Nonresident students may still qualify for partial tuition funding.)
- You are not receiving TANF cash assistance from DSHS. (Students receiving TANF may qualify for the WorkFirst program instead.)
- You are receiving federal Basic Food assistance (food stamps) from DSHS. If you meet the income qualifications below but are not receiving food assistance, you can apply online at washingtonconnection.org.
- You must be within the following gross income guidelines:
Income Guidelines (2022)
Household/Family Size | Monthly Gross Household Income | Annual Gross Household Income |
---|---|---|
1 | 2,265 | 27,180 |
2 | 3,052 | 36,620 |
3 | 3,839 | 46,060 |
4 | 4,625 | 55,500 |
5 | 5,412 | 64,940 |
6 | 6,199 | 74,380 |
To find out if you qualify for Basic Food assistance, you can apply online at WashingtonConnection.org.
If you’ve previously applied and been denied due to being a college student and not meeting the work requirement, please contact Workforce Education at 425-564-4054. BFET may be able to provide a referral to DSHS to help you qualify for Basic Food.
How do I get more information?
Attend a Workforce Education Information Session. You can register for a Zoom info session, held Tuesdays at 2:30pm, or download the info session PowerPoint to review on your own time.
Last Updated May 16, 2022