FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): This is the Federal Application for Financial Aid. If you are thinking of any kind of postsecondary education, and no matter your financial needs, you need to fill out the FAFSA.  Colleges and career schools use the FAFSA form to determine how much financial aid you're eligible to receive, which could include grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans.

You must apply for aid every year, but with the right information in hand, it's easy. Directions for completing the FASFA: https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out 
Need Additional Help? Want to know more? The 12th year Campaign is a great resource.

WAFSA 
The Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) is for people who choose not to file a federal FAFSA application. If you have completed the FAFSA, you have already applied for federal and state financial aid and do not need to complete the WASFA unless your college asks you to. People who complete a WASFA are applying only for state aid. If you are eligible for federal aid, completing the FAFSA could maximize your potential financial aid awards.

Should you complete a FAFSA or a WASFA? If you are unsure if you should complete a FAFSA or a WASFA, complete the WASFA Questionnaire for more information; however, anyone uncomfortable with submitting a federal FAFSA form can use the WASFA to apply only for state aid.