Eligibility Requirements

BEOC is committed to serving eligible New York State residents who want to advance their education and career opportunities. Applicants must meet the minimum EOC requirements to receive services.

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)
Have fewer than 33 college credits (except for ESL)
Be a New York State resident
Meet the applicable economic eligibility requirements

Economic Eligibility

BEOC uses economic eligibility guidelines established for Educational Opportunity Centers (EOCs). Eligibility is based on household size and annual household income. Applicants should review the 2026–2027 guidelines below to determine which income standards may apply.

General Economic Eligibility Guidelines

Review the official income guidelines below based on your household size and annual household income.

2026–2027 Economic Eligibility Guidlines

250% of Poverty Income Standard

Applicants may also qualify under the 250% of Poverty Income Standard. Review the official 2026–2027 guidelines below for the applicable household income levels.

250% of Poverty Income Standards

Document Checklist

Applicants must provide at least one form of document from each of the following areas below.

Note: Individuals with a college degree or more than 33 college credits are not eligible for BEOC programs, except where applicable to ESL.

I. Proof of Income

Federal tax return (1040 or 1040A or 1040 EZ (from previous year)
Unemployment, pension or worker’s compensation (current year)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Benefits (current year)
IRS form 4506 – non-filers
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:
- CUNY ACT scores (or)
- Academic dismissal letter from a college or university

Note: Individuals with a college degree or more than 33 college credits are not eligible for any BEOC programs.

Requested Documents

Unemployment letter (DOL)
https://labor.ny.gov/unemploymentassistance.shtm

Federal tax return or non-filer statement
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-return-transcript-types-and-ways-to-order-them

HRA budget letter, benefit card with photo
https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/home/html/accessnyc/html/contact.html

High school equivalency diploma
http://www.acces.nysed.gov/hse/duplicate-diplomas-andor-transcripts

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) printout
https://www.ssa.gov/onlineservices/

NYS driver’s license or ID card
https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license

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?

BEOC can only accept degreed students for ESL programs. Students in all other programs must have less than one year in college.

Can I enroll if I am on probation or parole?

All are welcome to study at BEOC. However, for some career programs, it may be difficult to secure employment if one has been convicted. BEOC works with community organizations to assist students with adverse conditions.