Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility

Economic Eligibility

Document Checklist

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FAQ

Eligibility

To be eligible for BEOC services, applicants must:

Be 18 years of age or older (17 with a high school diploma, GED, or HSE/TASC)
Be non-college graduates with fewer than 33 college credits, except for ESOL
Be a New York State resident
Meet the applicable economic eligibility requirements

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Program requirements may vary.

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2026-2027 Economic Eligibility

Household income must be at or below the applicable amount shown below. BEOC Admissions will determine which standard applies. These guidelines are effective through June 30, 2027

Updated September 2026

General Income Limits

Household Size	Maximum Income
1	$28,953
2	$39,128
3	$49,303
4	$59,478
5	$69,653
6	$79,828
7	$90,003
8	$100,178

Add $10,175 for each additional household member.

250% of Federal poverty level

Household Size	Maximum Income
1	$39,900
2	$54,100
3	$68,300
4	$82,500
5	$96,700
6	$110,900
7	$125,100
8	$139,300

Add $13,750 for each additional household member.

Other eligibility exceptions may apply.

Applicants receiving qualifying public assistance or applicants in foster care or ward-of-the-state status should speak with Admissions.

Document Checklist

Provide one approved document from each required category. Admissions may request additional records.

I. Proof of Income

Form 1040-series tax return or IRS tax transcript
IRS Verification of Nonfiling Letter
Unemployment, pension or worker’s compensation (current year)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Benefits (current year)
Department of Social Services: HRA Current Budget Letter or Children Services letter
Child support or alimony
- NOTE: Pay stubs, W2 forms or notarized letters are not acceptable as proof of income

II. Photo ID

Driver’s license or non-driver’s ID
Benefits card with photo ID
New York City ID card
U.S. Permanent Resident card
U.S. passport

III. Proof of Education

High School Diploma (HSD) or Transcript (copies of college transcript may be requested)
Official GED diploma, HSE/TASC diploma or test scores
Foreign diploma (English translation)
Student high school dismissal letter
College Prep applicants only:
- Academic dismissal letter from a college or university

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Frequently Asked Questions

What do I have to do to qualify for enrollment?

BEOC enrolls students who meet our eligibility requirements, including applicable economic, residency, educational, and program requirements. Review the eligibility requirements and 2026–2027 economic guidelines above to determine whether you may qualify.

Why do I have to provide documents to prove my eligibility for classes?

BEOC is required by its funders to enroll only students who meet its eligibility requirements.

Why does BEOC require so many documents?

BEOC receives state funding and is subject to audit. BEOC must show applicants are eligible to receive services.

Why are W-2s not accepted?

BEOC reviews an applicant’s gross income. Please review proof of income documentation.

Can I enroll if I already have a degree?

Applicants with a college degree may apply only for ESOL. Applicants for other programs must be non-college graduates with fewer than 33 college credits.

Can I enroll if I am on probation or parole?

Yes. Justice involvement does not prevent you from applying. Some career fields may have licensing or background-check requirements. BEOC staff will explain any program requirements and available support.