What are the Workforce Programs?

Worker Retraining

You may be eligible for Worker Retraining if you meet one of the following criteria in the past four years:

  • Collecting or have collected unemployment benefits in the past four years
  • Unemployed veteran discharged within the past four years or active-duty military with separation notice
  • Unemployed or underemployed after having been dependent on another family member’s income, but no longer supported by that income due to separation, divorce, death, or permanent disability of the main wage-earner
  • Formerly self-employed and currently unemployed due to general economic conditions
  • A vulnerable worker (at risk of being unemployed) who meets two of the following three requirements:

WorkFirst

You may be eligible for WorkFirst if you’re receiving Temporary Aid for Needy Families (TANF) through Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). Education and Training is an approved WorkFirst activity.

Basic Food Employment and Training

You may be eligible for Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET) if you qualify for Basic Food Assistance through Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). In addition, BFET-eligible students may receive assistance with support services such as child care. If you meet the income guidelines you may also be eligible for Basic Food Assistance.

Opportunity Grant

You may be eligible for Opportunity Grant funding if you’re a Washington state resident, meet income criteria and are pursuing an approved career training program.

Household Size
Maximum Monthly Income

*For households above 6 members, add $897 per family member
1 $2,510
2 $3,407
3 $4,303
4 $5,200
5 $6097
6 $6,993

Early Achievers

You may be eligible for the Early Achievers Grant if you’re working in an Early Achiever certified childcare center, in-home child care provider, or an Early Learning program.  Funds can pay for the stackable certificates and Associates degree in Early Childhood Education.