B. Work Programs

Instead of, or in combination with working, ABAWDs may meet the 80-hour participation requirement by participating in an approved work program.

ABAWD Participation in BFET

Participating in Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET) in a non-waived area can be used to meet work requirements for ABAWDs as an approved Employment and Training Program.

If clients are unable to meet the hourly requirement in BFET, they can combine their work program hours with work or volunteer hours to meet participation. More details are in the Combining Work and/or Training to meet requirements section.

When participating in Job Search and Job Search Training activities, job search hours are only countable for less than half of the total time a client is engaged in employment and training activities.

Job Search and Job Search Training activities done under the supervision of a WIOA program, count in their entirety toward the 80 hours of participation. Some BFET providers are WIOA partners, but not all.

Other State approved E&T programs for ABAWD Participation

In addition to BFET, there are other programs that individuals can participate in to meet ABAWD participation requirements.

Programs included in Title I Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

Employment and Training programs through statewide WorkSource offices

Some community and technical college programs

Additional community partners participating under WIOA titles

Programs included under Section 236 of the Trade Act of 1974 (Reestablished in 2015 )

Washington Service Corps/AmeriCorps

NAFTA Transitional Adjustment Assistance Programs.

Seattle Jobs Initiatives (SJI)

Economic Security for All (EcSA)

Jobs for Veterans State Grant (JVSG)

And others as they are approved

Job Search as part of a Work Program and countable participation hours

When participating in Job Search and Job Search Training activities, job search hours are only countable for less than half of the total time a client is engaged in employment and training activities.

For example, if a client is participating in BFET twenty hours a week, then only up to nine hours of Job Search or Job Search Training counts as “participation” for ABAWD requirements. The other eleven must be in one of the other activities: Basic Education, Vocational Education, or Life Skills.

If clients are unable to meet the hourly requirement in BFET, they may still complete work hours to meet participation. More details are in the Combining Work and/or Training to meet requirements section.

Job Search and Job Search Training activities done under the supervision of a WIOA program, do count in their entirety toward the 80 hours of participation. Some BFET providers are WIOA partners, but not all.

WIOA Title 1 Program (non-college) Zachary is participating in the following activities: Job search training: 40 hours monthly Job search: 20 hours monthly Basic Education: 20 hours monthly The total countable hours are 80. Zachary is meeting the work requirement. Non-WIOA Program (non-college) Zachary is participating in the following activities: Job Search Training - 40 hours monthly Job Search - 20 hours monthly Basic Education - 20 hours monthly The total countable hours are: 59 hours 39 of the Job search Training 0 of the Job Search 20 of the Basic Education To meet meet participation requirements, Harjeet would have to complete an additional 21 hours of non-Job Search or non-Job Search Training activities, unpaid work, or work.