Washington State’s SNAP employment and training program is known as the Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET) program. It provides job search, job search training (soft skills), educational services (adult basic education, English as a second language, and high school equivalency), workforce skills training (vocational education), assistance with establishing small businesses, post-employment services, and other employment opportunities to Basic Food recipients who are not participating in the state’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. Unlike TANF, participation in BFET employment and training services is voluntary and there is no participation hour requirement.
The BFET program through ORIA (sometimes referred to as ORIA BFET) offers the same services statewide as the general or mainstream BFET program with a focus on providing culturally and linguistically appropriate employment and training services to refugees and immigrants.
An individual is eligible to receive ORIA BFET services if they are:
- 16 years or older
- A federal food recipient
- A refugee or immigrant
- Not a U.S. citizen
- Not receiving refugee cash assistance (former RCA recipients are eligible for ORIA BFET)
Services under the ORIA BFET program include:
- Job Search
- English as a Second Language (ESL) training
- Vocational education and training
- Case management
- Job retention services
- Support services
ORIA BFET providers are responsible for enrolling individuals into our program.
Low income residents who do not currently receive Basic Food assistance are encouraged to apply for this benefit to stabilize food security and start the process towards qualifying for BFET services. Applicants can use the "See if I Qualify" tool on Washington Connection to check eligibility and apply for benefits.
COVID-19 UPDATE: ORIA BFET providers are available to offer services following social distancing requirements and remote services protocol during the COVID-19 pandemic.
ORIA Program Manager Contact Information:
Ashley Mai
ashley.mai@dshs.wa.gov